Every March 5th, World Energy Efficiency Day is celebrated. This date traces its origins back to 1998, when the first International Conference on Energy Efficiency was held in Austria. The event established this day to raise awareness and promote the efficient and sustainable use of energy. Furthermore, the United Nations (UN) has incorporated this issue into its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Chile has actively participated in this effort, setting a national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In line with this commitment, SMU—the parent company of Unimarc, Alvi, Mayorista 10, and Super 10—has implemented an Energy Management System (EMS) as part of its strategic plan. This system includes the development of an energy policy, energy consumption management, and internal training programs, all of which have contributed to reducing energy intensity by 5% compared to 2020.

"As part of our Corporate Energy Policy, we continuously seek opportunities to achieve greater efficiency in our energy consumption, thereby contributing to environmental protection," said Marcela Salas, SMU’s Sustainability Manager.

SMU’s Energy Management System Initiatives

Launched in 2022, SMU’s Energy Management System includes various initiatives aimed at measuring and optimizing the company’s energy performance, certified under ISO 50.001.

One key initiative involved promoting best energy practices among employees across all SMU formats in Chile, emphasizing responsible energy use.

Additionally, the EMS coverage has expanded significantly. Initially launched as a pilot program in three stores in 2022, the system now includes 382 certified locations, including the corporate headquarters and the Lo Aguirre Distribution Center. The remaining facilities are in the final stages of their certification process.

Another key initiative is the "Sustainable Stores" project, currently implemented in 16 locations. This program optimizes energy consumption by using real-time monitoring and control systems for refrigeration, climate control, and lighting. These efforts have resulted in energy savings of up to 8%.

"This has been a continuous and company-wide effort—a long-term project involving everyone at SMU. The scale of our operations made this a challenge, but we took responsibility for it, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and our dedication to operating more efficiently and sustainably," said Rafael Pardo, SMU’s Operational Excellence Manager.

These efforts earned SMU the Energy Management Insight Award from the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) last year, a global forum promoting actions for a transition to clean energy. Additionally, the company upgraded its lighting and refrigeration technologies at the Lo Aguirre Distribution Center to enhance energy efficiency. These improvements earned SMU the Energy Excellence Seal (Gold Category) awarded by the Chilean Sustainability Agency and the Ministry of Energy, making SMU the only retail company to receive this distinction.