Sustainability is not a concept at the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet, it is lived practice. With a specially developed Sustainability Challenge, the center motivates all stores to reduce energy consumption by at least one percent in the fourth quarter. What sounds like a small number has a big impact: together, around 25,000 kWh could be saved. “Sustainability is deeply anchored in our corporate DNA. We focus on the key ecological and social impacts, drive forward responsible initiatives and want to actively involve our teams and brand partners,” emphasizes Uli Nölkensmeier, Center Director of the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet.
The challenge is accompanied by regular tips, updates and a special highlight: futurologist Oona Horx Strathern inspired the store and center employees in an exclusive keynote on sustainable action, future trends and the role of retail. In this way, the outlet promotes knowledge transfer, strengthens the competence of its brand partners in the areas of energy efficiency and sustainable business management and shows that even small steps can have a big impact.
Sustainability as an integral part of management
The Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet follows a clear sustainability strategy defined by the parent company VIA Outlets. The focus is on thinking about sustainability holistically – from building management and energy efficiency to biodiversity and social responsibility. The center is BREEAM certified, uses rainwater tanks to irrigate its green spaces and relies on local plant species to promote biodiversity. With 34 e-charging points for electric vehicles, it is one of the largest fast-charging locations in the region and also supports sustainable mobility with e-bike charging stations. The newly designed Five Guys Restaurant was also designed sustainably – with a green roof, solar panels and a barrier-free design.
The sustainability challenge at the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet shows how joint action in retail can create a noticeable impact. With measurable savings, continuous motivation of employees and valuable impulses from experts, such as Oona Horx Strathern, sustainability can be experienced here.