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[[File:Wildberriessign.jpg|thumb|Figure 1: Wildberries Marketplace's exterior sign, recently retrofitted with energy-efficient [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact fluorescent lamp CFL flood lights.]]]


==Wildberries Marketplace==
{{Project data
| authors = User:Shaffer08
| location = California, USA
}}


Wildberries marketpalce is washt is known as a crossover store. Unlike stores which try to change people's eating habbits by supplying only organic foods, Wildberries offers a mixture of organic and conventional foods, a ratio of about 3 to 1. The store initially ran as a Safeway in 1956, then turned into Larry's, and has now been owned by Phillip Riccord for the past 15 years as Wildberries. Phillip says that the store has been profitable 14 out of their 15 years in business.
[http://www.wildberries.com/ Wildberries Marketplace] is a grocery store in Arcata, California, and has been operational for over fifteen years. In early 2008, the store had a vast majority of its lighting retrofitted with the help of the not-for-profit organization [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp Redwood Coast Energy Authority] (RCEA) with new and more efficient [[CFL]] bulbs, saving the store energy and money.


==Energy Retrofit==
== Overview ==


Before the RCEA helped in retrofitting the store, Wildberries was using incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. All the lights in the store, with only minor exeptions, were replaced with Compact Flouresent Light bulbs. Many of the bulbs were replaced with new fixtures and ballasts.
The mission of Wildberries Marketplace is to satisfy their customers' demands by offering a broad choice of quality products, superior service and exceptional ambiance, while contributing to the community they serve and providing enhanced job satisfaction for their workforce.<ref name="Wildberries Website">[http://www.wildberries.com Wildberries Marketplace Website]</ref> This supermarket has been profitable and successful for fourteen out of the fifteen years its been around by continuously appealing to customers and the local Arcata community. For local customers, Wildberries offers both a wide array of both locally grown organic foods, as well as corporate products like Coca-Cola and Post Cereals, making it a crossover grocery store.<ref name="Wildberries Website" /> For the local and global community, Wildberries strives to keep a low environmental impact.<ref name="Phil Interview">Interview with Wildberries General Manager Phil Riccord, held on October 27, 2009.</ref> By installing lighting retrofits in February of 2008,<ref name="Audit">[http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] energy audit for Wildberries Marketplace by Mike Kowalski. Audit performed October 17, 2007.</ref> the store reduced their energy consumption and spending, thus appealing to the local community, contributing to the global community, and ensuring continued fiscal stability.


==Energy Effects==
==== Building History ====


==Business Effects==
In 1956, a Safeway occupied the current Wildberries lot. When Safeway moved on to a new location, the lot became home to a locally owned independent market, named Larry's. The new market chose to use the same building, including the old refrigeration, lighting, and heating systems. In 1994 the founder and current president of Wildberries, Phil Riccord, bought out Larry's for $175,000 and demolished most of the supermarket, keeping only parts of the warehouse for the new supermarket that currently stands on the lot. A new lighting system was installed in 1994, but the original refrigeration compressors from 1956 are still being used today.<ref name="Phil Interview" />


==Community Effects==
==== Present Structural Considerations ====


==RCEA Relations==
Since the initial Safeway market was constructed, the entire building has been completely remodeled twice. The current marketplace now has computers instead of typewriters, more refrigerators, and more lighting to satisfy shoppers.<ref name="Phil Interview" /> These various upgrades made the store consume over 68,000 KwH/month during the hot summer months, when the refrigerators use more energy. The refrigeration and lighting systems are the most energy intensive aspects of the store.<ref name="Audit" />


[[Category:Engr115 Intro to Engineering]]
== Lighting Retrofit ==
[[Category:RCEA energy audit reviews]]
 
Supermarkets require more lighting than most people notice when shopping inside.<ref name="Anon">Anonymous Wildberries customer and employee opinions. Performed October 27, 2009.</ref> Not only do the isles and cashiers have to be lit well enough for customers to read various labels at any angle, but the warehouse and management sections of the market are almost as big as the shopping section. Also, during the night, the exterior of the store remains visible for security and marketing reasons. Though Wildberries is operational only until midnight, there are employees present twenty-four hours a day unloading, restocking, and organizing groceries.<ref name="Phil Interview" />
 
Before the [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] helped retrofit the lighting, Wildberries was using [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb incandescent light bulbs]. In early 2008, nearly all of the lights in the store were replaced with energy efficient [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_lamp fluorescent tubes] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp compact fluorescent lamps]. In many cases, not only the bulbs had to be replaced, but the fixtures and ballasts had to be changed as well. [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] helped Wilberries contract [http://www.trinidadelectric.com/ Trinidad Electric] to retrofit a vast majority of the store, including all of the offices, external flood lighting, shopping section, warehouse, garage, and even the inside of the refrigerators and freezers. Also included in the retrofit was the addition of several motion sensors.<ref name="Audit" /> Since there are very few employees working after store hours, it would be inefficient to keep all of the lights on constantly. The use of motion sensors ensures that the lights are only on when needed.
 
[[File:IMG 3524.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Figure 2: One of the motion sensors that was a part of the Wildberries retrofit.]]
 
== Retrofit Effects ==
 
When the [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] initially performed an energy audit for Wildberries, they estimated that the store would save approximately 27,500 kWhr/yr, which would save the company about $3,500 a year.<ref name="Audit" /> However, it was unknown whether this estimate was accurate. Finding the actual energy and money savings involved adding the actual money spent on monthly bills between February 2007 and February 2008, which was before the retrofits were installed, and subtracting that by the sum of the monthly bills between February 2008 and February 2009, which was after the retrofits were installed. The money, Carbon Dioxide, and energy savings can be found in '''Table 1''', while a graphed comparison of energy consumption by the marketplace can be found in '''Figure 3'''.<ref name="Bill">[http://www.pge.com/ Pacific Gas and Electric] Monthly Energy Bills for Wildberries Marketplace. 2006-2009.</ref>
 
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="3" | Table 1
|-
! Savings
! Estimated
! Actual
|-
| Energy
| 27,548 kWh/year
| 15,360 kWh/year
|-
| CO<sub>2</sub>
| 14,422 lbs/year
| 8,325 lbs/year
|-
| Money
| $3,579/year
| $3,804.57/year
|}
 
==== Energy Saved ====
 
[[File:Wildberries energy graph.jpg|thumb|400px]]
 
According to '''Table 1''', Wildberries Marketplace is saving approximately 15,000 kWHr/yr and $3,750/yr as a result of the retrofits, which were installed in February of 2008. The [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] estimated that the grocery store would save nearly twice that amount of energy. However, hundreds of inefficient bulbs were replaced by efficient [[CFL]] bulbs that don't waste as much energy on heat. Thus, as a result of the lighting retrofits, the store grew cooler and to satisfy customer demand, the management installed a new heating system. The store had previously used heat from the old refrigeration compressors to keep the occupants warm, but after the less efficient lights were replaced, the compressor's heat was no longer effective enough at keeping a stable temperature. The [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] estimation did not account for the new heating system. The marketplace still saves about 15,000 kWHr/yr which translates to 8,325 lbs/yr of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxide_in_the_Earth%27s_atmosphere Carbon Dioxide]. To put that number in perspective, that is like taking a small car permanently off the road.<ref name="CarbonCalc">[http://www.carbonify.com/carbon-calculator.htm Carbon Dioxide Emissions Calculator.]</ref>
 
==== Money Saved ====
 
While Wildberries did not save as much energy as was estimated, according to '''Table 1''', the store saved more money than the [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] estimated. This difference is primarily due to a decrease in energy costs for Wildberries Marketplace. After the retrofits, Pacific Gas and Electric,<ref name="Bill">[http://www.pge.com/ Pacific Gas and Electric] Monthly Energy Bills for Wildberries Marketplace. 2006-2009.</ref> Wildberries energy provider, lowered the energy rates for Wildberries Marketplace, thus resulting in the grocery store saving more money than anticipated.
 
The customers and employees were highly satisfied with the new heating system, but barely even noticed the lighting retrofits.<ref name="Anon" />
 
<br>
 
== Further Considerations ==
 
Phil Riccord, the president, founder, and general manager of Wildberries, was highly pleased with the retrofitting process, and had an overall positive experience with both the [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] and Trinidad Electric. He stated that he originally planned to install a [[PV|Photovoltaic system]] on the roof of Wildberries, it proved to be financially unwise. However, Riccord still plans on installing the system in the near future, and plans to involve [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] in that project as well.
 
According to Riccord, if the cost savings that the [http://web.archive.org/web/20090715140236/http://www.redwoodenergy.org:80/index.asp RCEA] implemented were not present, he probably would not have had the motivation necessary to retrofit the lighting. He felt that the project was an excellent idea once presented to him, and quickly made it happen when he realized how energy and cost saving the retrofit would be.
 
[[File:IMG 3548.jpg|thumb|center|325px|Figure 4: The Wildberries produce section, with new CFL and Fluorescent Tube lights.]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
{{Page data
| part-of = RCEA energy audit reviews, Engr115 Intro to Engineering
| keywords = Energy, energy audit
| organizations = Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Cal Poly Humboldt
| sdg = SDG07 Affordable and clean energy
}}
 
[[Category:Energy]]
[[Category:Energy audit]]

Latest revision as of 14:43, 28 February 2024

Figure 1: Wildberries Marketplace's exterior sign, recently retrofitted with energy-efficient fluorescent lamp CFL flood lights.
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Authors Shaffer Smith
Location California, USA
OKH Manifest Download

Wildberries Marketplace is a grocery store in Arcata, California, and has been operational for over fifteen years. In early 2008, the store had a vast majority of its lighting retrofitted with the help of the not-for-profit organization Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) with new and more efficient CFL bulbs, saving the store energy and money.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The mission of Wildberries Marketplace is to satisfy their customers' demands by offering a broad choice of quality products, superior service and exceptional ambiance, while contributing to the community they serve and providing enhanced job satisfaction for their workforce.[1] This supermarket has been profitable and successful for fourteen out of the fifteen years its been around by continuously appealing to customers and the local Arcata community. For local customers, Wildberries offers both a wide array of both locally grown organic foods, as well as corporate products like Coca-Cola and Post Cereals, making it a crossover grocery store.[1] For the local and global community, Wildberries strives to keep a low environmental impact.[2] By installing lighting retrofits in February of 2008,[3] the store reduced their energy consumption and spending, thus appealing to the local community, contributing to the global community, and ensuring continued fiscal stability.

Building History[edit | edit source]

In 1956, a Safeway occupied the current Wildberries lot. When Safeway moved on to a new location, the lot became home to a locally owned independent market, named Larry's. The new market chose to use the same building, including the old refrigeration, lighting, and heating systems. In 1994 the founder and current president of Wildberries, Phil Riccord, bought out Larry's for $175,000 and demolished most of the supermarket, keeping only parts of the warehouse for the new supermarket that currently stands on the lot. A new lighting system was installed in 1994, but the original refrigeration compressors from 1956 are still being used today.[2]

Present Structural Considerations[edit | edit source]

Since the initial Safeway market was constructed, the entire building has been completely remodeled twice. The current marketplace now has computers instead of typewriters, more refrigerators, and more lighting to satisfy shoppers.[2] These various upgrades made the store consume over 68,000 KwH/month during the hot summer months, when the refrigerators use more energy. The refrigeration and lighting systems are the most energy intensive aspects of the store.[3]

Lighting Retrofit[edit | edit source]

Supermarkets require more lighting than most people notice when shopping inside.[4] Not only do the isles and cashiers have to be lit well enough for customers to read various labels at any angle, but the warehouse and management sections of the market are almost as big as the shopping section. Also, during the night, the exterior of the store remains visible for security and marketing reasons. Though Wildberries is operational only until midnight, there are employees present twenty-four hours a day unloading, restocking, and organizing groceries.[2]

Before the RCEA helped retrofit the lighting, Wildberries was using incandescent light bulbs. In early 2008, nearly all of the lights in the store were replaced with energy efficient fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps. In many cases, not only the bulbs had to be replaced, but the fixtures and ballasts had to be changed as well. RCEA helped Wilberries contract Trinidad Electric to retrofit a vast majority of the store, including all of the offices, external flood lighting, shopping section, warehouse, garage, and even the inside of the refrigerators and freezers. Also included in the retrofit was the addition of several motion sensors.[3] Since there are very few employees working after store hours, it would be inefficient to keep all of the lights on constantly. The use of motion sensors ensures that the lights are only on when needed.

Figure 2: One of the motion sensors that was a part of the Wildberries retrofit.

Retrofit Effects[edit | edit source]

When the RCEA initially performed an energy audit for Wildberries, they estimated that the store would save approximately 27,500 kWhr/yr, which would save the company about $3,500 a year.[3] However, it was unknown whether this estimate was accurate. Finding the actual energy and money savings involved adding the actual money spent on monthly bills between February 2007 and February 2008, which was before the retrofits were installed, and subtracting that by the sum of the monthly bills between February 2008 and February 2009, which was after the retrofits were installed. The money, Carbon Dioxide, and energy savings can be found in Table 1, while a graphed comparison of energy consumption by the marketplace can be found in Figure 3.[5]

Table 1
Savings Estimated Actual
Energy 27,548 kWh/year 15,360 kWh/year
CO2 14,422 lbs/year 8,325 lbs/year
Money $3,579/year $3,804.57/year

Energy Saved[edit | edit source]

Wildberries energy graph.jpg

According to Table 1, Wildberries Marketplace is saving approximately 15,000 kWHr/yr and $3,750/yr as a result of the retrofits, which were installed in February of 2008. The RCEA estimated that the grocery store would save nearly twice that amount of energy. However, hundreds of inefficient bulbs were replaced by efficient CFL bulbs that don't waste as much energy on heat. Thus, as a result of the lighting retrofits, the store grew cooler and to satisfy customer demand, the management installed a new heating system. The store had previously used heat from the old refrigeration compressors to keep the occupants warm, but after the less efficient lights were replaced, the compressor's heat was no longer effective enough at keeping a stable temperature. The RCEA estimation did not account for the new heating system. The marketplace still saves about 15,000 kWHr/yr which translates to 8,325 lbs/yr of Carbon Dioxide. To put that number in perspective, that is like taking a small car permanently off the road.[6]

Money Saved[edit | edit source]

While Wildberries did not save as much energy as was estimated, according to Table 1, the store saved more money than the RCEA estimated. This difference is primarily due to a decrease in energy costs for Wildberries Marketplace. After the retrofits, Pacific Gas and Electric,[5] Wildberries energy provider, lowered the energy rates for Wildberries Marketplace, thus resulting in the grocery store saving more money than anticipated.

The customers and employees were highly satisfied with the new heating system, but barely even noticed the lighting retrofits.[4]


Further Considerations[edit | edit source]

Phil Riccord, the president, founder, and general manager of Wildberries, was highly pleased with the retrofitting process, and had an overall positive experience with both the RCEA and Trinidad Electric. He stated that he originally planned to install a Photovoltaic system on the roof of Wildberries, it proved to be financially unwise. However, Riccord still plans on installing the system in the near future, and plans to involve RCEA in that project as well.

According to Riccord, if the cost savings that the RCEA implemented were not present, he probably would not have had the motivation necessary to retrofit the lighting. He felt that the project was an excellent idea once presented to him, and quickly made it happen when he realized how energy and cost saving the retrofit would be.

Figure 4: The Wildberries produce section, with new CFL and Fluorescent Tube lights.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Wildberries Marketplace Website
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Interview with Wildberries General Manager Phil Riccord, held on October 27, 2009.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 RCEA energy audit for Wildberries Marketplace by Mike Kowalski. Audit performed October 17, 2007.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Anonymous Wildberries customer and employee opinions. Performed October 27, 2009.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Pacific Gas and Electric Monthly Energy Bills for Wildberries Marketplace. 2006-2009.
  6. Carbon Dioxide Emissions Calculator.
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Part of RCEA energy audit reviews, Engr115 Intro to Engineering
Keywords energy, energy audit
SDG SDG07 Affordable and clean energy
Authors David.Bloch, Shaffer Smith, Dustin Poppendieck
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Cal Poly Humboldt
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 6 pages link here
Impact 180 page views
Created October 14, 2009 by David.Bloch
Modified February 28, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
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