A Fairview Heights grocery store’s new cooling system could cut costs for customers

A Schnucks store in Fairview Heights is getting an upgrade, thanks to a new partnership with Ameren Illinois.

Ameren Illinois teamed up with the grocery store chain to install a “cutting-edge radiative rooftop panel system” at the Fairview Heights store, according to a press release.

The Fairview Heights Schnucks’ new SkyCool System is the first of its kind in the state and one of 20 worldwide.

“Refrigeration consumes more electricity than any other component of a grocery store’s operation, with freezers and coolers having to run 24/7/365, so any chance to improve performance helps keep operations costs down and lower our customers’ cost at the register,” Ike Eichenlaub, manager HVAC/R & Energy for Schnucks Markets, stated in the release.

The SkyCool System’s panels work with the store’s cooling systems.

The cooling films on the panels are like a mirror, “reflecting up to 97% of sunlight back into the atmosphere,” stated the release.

The fluids in the air conditioning and refrigeration systems are cooled, requiring less energy to keep the building and foods cool. As a result, the store’s power bill and environmental impact are reduced.

Another thing that makes the SkyCool System different from other energy-efficient systems is that it requires no water and produces no carbon emissions. It uses a minimal amount of electricity to power a small circulating pump, according to the release.

“Schnuck Markets, Inc. appreciates the opportunity to partner with Ameren Illinois and SkyCool on this innovative energy-savings initiative,” Eichenlaub says. “It is a rare opportunity to find something that adds reliability, increases life expectancy of equipment and provides cost savings.”

“In its mission to help customers improve comfort, manage energy usage and reduce costs, the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program is proud to be the first in our region to offer this innovative energy-saving system for our business customers,” Pat Justis, director of Energy Efficiency for Ameren Illinois, stated in the release.

“As global temperatures continue to rise and refrigeration systems and air conditioning become more important in our communities, radiative cooling may play a key role in meeting the energy needs of the future.”

To learn more about Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, visit amerenillinoissavings.com.