Increase Your Profit Starting with Your Air
Shopping malls host hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. One of the largest expense items for mall operators is, by far, energy consumption.
Particularly, HVAC systems (heating, cooling, ventilation), lighting, and automation inefficiencies can drive total energy costs up to 60%.
1. Do You Really Know Your Energy Consumption?
Energy efficiency starts with measurement.
First step: Map your energy usage
-
Which areas consume how much electricity?
-
Cooling, lighting, parking, offices, escalators…
-
During which hours is consumption highest?
Recommendation: Monitor all load centers online with digital energy management systems. These systems reveal savings opportunities far beyond monthly bill analysis.
2. How to Save Energy in HVAC Systems
HVAC systems account for 40–60% of total energy use in most malls. Small improvements can make a big difference.
Practical recommendations:
| Measure | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Fresh air control | Adjust fresh air supply based on occupancy with CO₂ sensors. Up to 50% energy savings in empty areas. |
| Heat recovery units | Recover energy from exhaust air to preheat/cool fresh air. Payback in 1–2 years. |
| Periodic maintenance | Dirty filter → 10% more energy; misadjusted damper → 15% fan loss. Small neglect → high bills. |
| Zoning (area control) | Run low airflow in unoccupied areas. Adjust high-demand zones like food courts, cinemas, galleries. |
3. Smart and Effective Lighting Solutions
Lighting is typically the second largest energy item in malls.
What can be done?
-
Complete LED conversion (old fixture → 3× energy; quality LED → 60% savings)
-
Timers and motion sensors in restrooms, storage, corridors
-
Ensure lights are off when the mall is closed
-
Daylight dimming: integrate sensors for ceilings with natural light
4. Energy Savings in Parking Areas
Parking often has fans running unnecessarily and lights on 24/7.
| Solution | Effect |
|---|---|
| Jet fan systems | CO sensors activate fans only when needed, up to 70% savings |
| LED lighting + motion sensors | Lights off when no vehicles present |
| Energy-efficient fans & motors | IE3/IE4 motors → 10–15% more efficiency |
5. Central Control with Building Management System (BMS)
Manual monitoring is insufficient; automation is required.
| Function | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Time schedule | Prevents night operation |
| Sensor support | Modulates system according to CO₂, temperature, humidity |
| Fault alerts | Early intervention prevents energy loss |
| Energy reporting | Identifies high-consumption systems |
A mall without BMS is like a plane without a pilot. Management plus efficiency = results.
6. Foster Shared Energy Awareness with Tenants
Energy consumption is not limited to common areas; tenants, especially stores and restaurants, are significant users.
Actions:
-
Display energy consumption to raise tenant awareness
-
Kitchens without odor control create extra fan load
-
Encourage replacing display cabinets, air conditioners, and lights with efficient products
-
Tiered billing (high consumption pays more) increases consciousness
7. Why Energy Efficiency is Strategic Management
Energy efficiency:
-
Reduces costs
-
Lowers carbon footprint
-
Enhances sustainability image
-
Increases tenant satisfaction
-
Directly affects profitability
An energy-efficient mall adds value for investors, comfort for customers, and safety for staff.
Not Energy Cost, but Energy Management
Energy is no longer just a bill; it is a management strategy. What cannot be measured cannot be managed; what is not planned cannot be improved.
Remember: “Energy efficiency starts not only with devices but with habits.”
İlker KURAN
Alperen Mühendislik Ltd. Şti.