SMU has obtained the ISO 50.001 certification for the implementation of its Energy Management System (EMS), which recognizes companies that are able to measure their energy performance and improve it by applying measures focused on efficiency and emissions reduction.

The company's work to achieve this distinction began in 2022 with an EMS pilot in three facilities representing more than 5% of total electrical consumption, allowing for the identification of potential improvements and the promotion of energy efficiency among employees. In 2023, as part of the Energy Program in SMU Chile, the EMS was implemented in 382 installations, including all stores of the Unimarc, Alvi, Mayorista 10, Super 10 formats, and the Lo Aguirre distribution center.

During 2024, SMU will focus on continuous improvement of the system and the inclusion of new locations within its scope. "This certification is a significant milestone that demonstrates our commitment to environmental conservation and reflects our dedication to operating more efficiently and responsibly. This is within SMU's Sustainability Corporate Policy and Strategic Plan, so we will continue working to certify the total energy consumption and expand the management system to all our new installations," stated Marcela Salas, Sustainability Manager at SMU.

"The achievement of this certification drives us to continue improving our energy management, resulting in more efficient and sustainable operations. Moreover, these achievements are aligned with our goals, which include signing contracts for renewable electricity supply for 40% of SMU Chile's electrical consumption, as well as an 8% reduction in energy expenditure per square meter by 2025 compared to 2020," added Rafael Pardo, Operational Excellence Manager at SMU, who was responsible for presenting the company's case at the event where this recognition was received.

Energy Efficiency Policies

In addition to measures under the ISO 50.001 Certification, SMU has developed other energy efficiency projects. One example is the Sustainable Store project, which aims to manage electricity consumption in stores by implementing tools to monitor and control key energy systems to improve their operational efficiency. This project began its pilot phase in 2022 and by 2023 initiated the stage of controlling refrigeration, climate, and lighting systems in stores, such as Los Militares, Camino Nos, Larapinta, and Espacio Morandé, achieving an average reduction in electricity consumption of between 8% and 11%.

Furthermore, to reduce emissions in logistics operations, SMU is working on using clean energy to replace conventional engines in its transport vehicles. For this reason, a target was set for 10% of shipments between distribution centers and stores to be made with electric trucks by 2025. In 2023, the company made progress of 2% by incorporating three trucks into its fleet, with plans to add eight more in 2024, and 30% of online order dispatches were made with vehicles that do not use fossil fuels.