The solar panels installed on the rooftops of Ascencia’s malls cater for up to 30% of their electricity needs. And this is just the beginning.
Phoenix Mall took the lead by installing a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system in July 2018. In a little less than a year, the model has been replicated at Ascencia’s other facilities, including Bagatelle Mall, Kendra and Les Allées.
The development of solar power is in keeping with Ascencia’s green energy strategy. The objective is to reduce the carbon footprint by 400 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year, which represents approximately 1,470 trees planted and 700 houses for middle-income families. The idea is to provide customers with large eco-friendly living spaces, in line with its customer promise.
A partnership with the national electricity company, the Central Electricity Board (CEB) has helped the Rogers Group’s Property Investment sector drive this virtuous circle through the Medium Scale Distributed Generation Scheme. This programme allows companies to produce between 50 kilowatts (kW) and 2 megawatts (MW) of electricity from renewable energy sources.
9278
solar modules already installed
Phoenix Mall was the first to be equipped with a solar power system. The 2,282 modules installed on the roof meet approximately one-third of its electricity requirements. This project to the tune of Rs 55 million was then replicated at Bagatelle Mall, which has the Group’s largest PV plant by far. Some 6,250 modules have been installed for a maximum electricity production of 2 MW.
The initiative was also extended to Kendra and Les Allées shopping centres in Saint Pierre and Helvetia, respectively.
30%
of the needs covered by solar power
The 594 modules installed at Kendra have a maximum output capacity of 190 kW while the smaller Les Allées complex has a 152-module power plant with a production capacity of 48 kW.
The PV systems have been installed by EnVolt, the ENL subsidiary supporting the Group’s initiatives in this sector. The objective is to enable large electricity consumers to reduce their monthly bill while minimising their environmental impact. Furthermore, it is committed to producing and supplying customers with green electricity during sunlight hours while the CEB takes over at night.
Ascencia is currently the largest customer for EnVolt, a company managed by Thierry Rey. Vivéa Business Park, where ENL House is located, and all Beachcomber hotels, which are already EarthCheck certified, have also joined the effort. In the coming months, the ENL Group’s buildings will be equipped with 14 similar solar systems with an investment of about Rs 220 million.
The implementation of a green policy was a natural choice for Ascencia: the country’s leading shopping mall operator is a heavy energy user. This major project forms part of an Energy Efficiency Programme developed by the Group to reduce electricity consumption through a series of engaging initiatives.
Beyond solar power
Green energy is not restricted to solar power. It takes various forms, including waste recycling. Since 2018, 25% of the waste generated by Ascencia’s malls has been treated with a short-term objective to double this figure. At the same time, water consumption is closely monitored with a supply of up to 60% recycled water.
Another initiative is the implementation of an Oil Audit Programme to monitor tenants’ oil consumption. This programme will allow Ascencia to recover 7,000 litres of oil, i.e. 50% of the malls’ monthly consumption. A company will recycle and give the oil a new life as biofuel in agriculture.
