PRAGUE – Westfield shopping centers in the Czech Republic are entering a new era in energy savings and sustainability. As part of its long-term commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, it has opted for an innovative solution in the form of special coatings for air conditioning units. This step not only promises more efficient cooling and significant energy savings, but also underlines the centers’ position as leaders in the application of green technologies in the retail sector.
Innovative solution for efficient cooling and energy savings
In the fight against rising summer temperatures and energy prices, the management of Westfield centers decided to apply ALPHA FLEXIBLE coating from the Czech company ALPHA CZECH to its air conditioning units. This highly flexible coating is designed to reflect solar radiation and thus limit overheating of key parts of the cooling system. This increases cooling performance and improves airflow, which directly translates into lower electricity consumption.
The technology works on the principle of reflection of thermal radiation. The coating with a high SRI index of more than 107.3 prevents heat absorption by the surface of the units, which are often located on the roofs of buildings and exposed to direct sunlight. This reduces the load on air conditioning systems, which do not have to work at full capacity to maintain a comfortable temperature in the shopping arcades.
Impact on the operation and sustainability of shopping centers
The deployment of this technology is another step in the sustainability strategy of the Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield group, which places great emphasis on the ecological operation of its centers. Centers such as Westfield Černý most are already known for their use of renewable energy sources, energy-saving LED lighting or sophisticated water management systems. The application of ALPHA FLEXIBLE coatings logically follows these efforts and brings concrete results in the area of energy efficiency.