Blue City bets on green sources and energy optimisation

In the coming months, the Blue City Shopping Centre will be facing major changes in the consumption of electricity and other utilities.

In line with its development strategy, an important element of which is the implementation of changes that benefit the environment and local communities, Blue City has signed an agreement with Polenergia for the supply of green energy with guarantees of its origin. From the first of January 2025, the mall will use 100% renewable energy.

At the same time, the centre is working on starting the construction of its own photovoltaic farm with a capacity of

1 MWp. All of the energy produced by the panels is expected to be used to cover part of the centre's energy needs and thus contribute to making its space more attractive for use. The project assumes that none of the kilowatts produced will be fed back into the power grid. In the event of future overproduction, the project will be developed with energy storage.

Other changes being implemented include a comprehensive modernisation of the cooling systems, based on the most efficient chillers and the maximum use of energy-efficient free cooling, i.e. the use of free cooling deposits contained in low-temperature outside air to cool the air inside the building. Taking into account the specifics of the centre's operation and installation possibilities - free cooling can be used for a long period of the year.
In the next stages, Blue City will work on implementing a hybrid system, seamlessly using chiller technology and free cooling.

The centre is also continually reducing its electricity consumption through changes to the lighting system - both of the common areas, tenants' premises and the surrounding areas. It is gradually switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, operating in fully in automatic mode, adapted to current needs.

Positive changes also await users of electric vehicles. Two new charging hubs are scheduled to be commissioned in the third quarter of this year. In the hub on Opaczewska Street, which has been designed to resemble a relaxation zone with greenery and small architecture, both traditional AC chargers and fast DC chargers will be available, allowing cars to be charged with direct current in a short period of time. By diversifying the service to different operators, customers will be able to use the provider of their choice.

"Blue City has been operating for 20 years. If we want to remain a highly visited and well-commercialised facility, we need to adapt to environmental changes, as well as find a solution to rising energy prices and, consequently, the operating costs of the centre. I am convinced that the modernisation will therefore benefit both customers and tenants. The process of implementing the changes has already begun," comments Yoram Reshef, vice-president of the Blue City management board.