Refrigeration Refrigeration continues to be the main energy consumer at our sites. Thus, we continued to implement measures to optimize consumption in this category, the main ones being: • Use of doors for refrigerated display cases for fresh products, in order to improve visibility and energy efficiency. • Optimizing the design of glass doors to reduce temperature losses and increase thermal performance. • Replacement of refrigeration equipment with energy-efficient systems and showcases. • Modernization of refrigeration technology, through the integration of up-to-date and sustainable technical solutions. • Optimization of operating procedures to ensure efficient operation and reduction of energy consumption With the increase in refrigeration needs, we continue to make every effort to ensure that we do not increase proportionally to the related energy consumption. This year we have continued the initiatives started in previous years, the main ones of which remain the equipping of refrigerated showcases with doors and the modernization of refrigeration systems at store level. Thus, as of the end of 2022, 100% of our fresh produce windows had doors installed to reduce the associated energy consumption. The use of refrigerants is another sector where we are taking action to reduce the negative impact on the environment and climate. As refrigerants such as CO2 installations have a potential risk, we use leak control technologies to ensure a rapid response in the event of a leak. At the same time, the development of new measures to reduce consumption depends on the detailed analysis of the already existing consumption patterns. For this reason, we have equipped all our stores with remote monitoring systems for refrigeration installations. In this way, we will be able to analyze the current patterns and create correlations with other factors that influence possible increases in consumption. At the same time, we continued the measures started in previous years, including the replacement of the R404a refrigerant with one with a lower GWP (global warming potential), reaching a 100% replacement degree at the end of 2022. In order to further develop feasible and successful measures for energy efficiency and reducing the climate impact of refrigeration activity, we set strategic targets and objectives from year to year. Thus, for 2024 we are following the "We are cool with CO₂" strategy, through which we have set ourselves the goal of at least 80% of the new stores opened to be equipped with refrigeration systems that work with natural CO₂ refrigerant. From 2024 onwards, all refurbishments will use only environmentally friendly refrigerants (CO₂ or R290). In this regard, equipment was purchased for 8 stores, aligned with the transition strategy towards sustainable solutions. We are constantly testing new refrigeration technologies such as those using the water loop or Plug-In Propane R290 technologies. We are considering the complete replacement of cooling solutions with natural refrigerant with GWP 1 or Propane R290, with GWP below 20 for rented spaces, where the placement does not allow the installation of the standard solution. The plug-in refrigeration units that will be used in the future in all new and renovated stores will run on propane (R290), a natural refrigerant. In order to optimize the consumption of refrigerants in the warehouses, in 2024 we replaced 65% of the existing installation in the Stefanestii de Jos warehouse, and by the end of 2025 it will be completely replaced. The new plant works with natural refrigerant CO₂ and includes a heat recovery system for defrosting evaporators and heating rooms in winter – a process previously carried out through electricity consumption. As a result of this modernization, a reduction in energy consumption by 28% was achieved. Also in 2024, we completed and started the works for the most advanced REWE warehouse in Romania, designed to operate exclusively with refrigeration solutions based on natural agents. The heating of this warehouse will be ensured by recovering the heat generated by the refrigeration installation, thus contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the building. Full details on the performance of this project will be included in next year's report. SUSTAINABILITY STEP-BY-STEP CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BUSINESS SUSTAINABLE ASSORTMENT ENERGY, CLIMATE AND RESOURCES EMPLOYEES AND SOCIETY INDEX GRI & SASB ENERGY, CLIMATE AND RESOURCES
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