With a commitment to responsible business practices and a focus on sustainable development along with a reduction of electricity consumption costs in the future, Mārksmens SIA, a shareholder of the store chain top! and a local entrepreneur, has announced plans to further invest EUR 100,000 by the end of the year. This investment will be used to install solar panels in four additional top! stores.
Last year in October and November, the first solar panels were installed in three top! stores. Two of these stores are located in Jelgava, while the other one is in Eleja. Ever since the solar panels were installed, there has been a noticeable decline in electricity expenses and a significant decrease in CO2 emissions. The company is motivated to continue investing in the installation of solar panels due to the confirmed benefits of renewable energy solutions.
“In less than a year, we have successfully recovered 11–12% of the funds invested in solar panels, while witnessing a significant 30% decrease in the amount of electricity purchased during the summer months across these three stores. We have observed the most significant impact of solar panel electricity generation during hot summer days, when the stock exchange price reaches its peak and the demand for electricity from cooling equipment and refrigerators skyrockets. This year, we plan to equip four more stores with solar panels – in Auce, Iecava, Ozolnieki and Riga (Zalves Street). We aim to continue our current development curve, expanding the installation of solar panels to an increasing number of stores,” says Ilze Priedīte, Member of the Management Board and Marketing Director of the store chain top!.
As part of this project, in cooperation with Gaisma un Serviss SIA, a local lighting design company, solar panels will be successively installed in four top! stores by the end of the year:
- 1 Baznīcas Street, Auce, by the end of October;
- 2 Edvarta Virzas Street, Iecava, by the end of October;
- 1b Skolas Street, Ozolnieki, in early November;
- 46a Zalves Street, Riga, by the end of November.
The installation of solar panels will have no impact on the store’s visitors or the shopping experience.
Utilising renewable energy solutions helps lower operating costs and mitigates the risk of volatile electricity prices, ensuring customers can enjoy consistently affordable prices. The local store chain hopes that this step will also inspire other local entrepreneurs to seek more environmentally friendly and business-efficient solutions that improve the well-being of the entire community.
About the project developer Mārksmens SIA
Mārksmens SIA, a Latvian company with 100% local capital was established in 1997 and is the second largest shareholder of the store chain top!. Throughout its history, the company has experienced significant growth and expansion, opening 27 top! stores and 5 mini top! stores in various cities of Latvia, mainly in Zemgale, as well as in Riga and Jūrmala. The company has a workforce of over 400 people. Mārksmens SIA also offers its own products in its stores – delectable pastries that provide pure enjoyment. In addition, the company has a certified butchery and a ready-to-eat food production facility in Dobele.
About the retail store chain top!
The retail store chain top! is the largest store chain owned by Latvian business and the third largest retail chain in Latvia. There are currently 206 food stores in Latvia operating under the trademark top!, owned by 12 local companies. In total, more than 3,500 jobs are provided, supporting local producers and suppliers across Latvia.
Information prepared by:
Ilze Priedite
Member of the Board and Marketing Director of the top! store chain
E-mail: pr@toppartika.lv