Benetton’s contribution against climate change takes form through the implementation of initiatives to reduce energy consumption and, as a result, climate-altering gas emissions, associated with the headquarters and direct stores. These projects produced significant benefits in terms of energy savings and lower CO2 emissions.

In 2015, Benetton Group carried out energy tests on the head offices of Ponzano and Castrette that gave a snapshot of the energy profiles of the areas considered, allowing the identification of the most critical energy-related issues, which led to the development of an energy efficiency plan.

Thanks to the redistribution of workspaces and new systems, also in 2022 the Benetton Group optimised and reduced energy consumption in the headquarters.

One of the main drivers behind the design of the new Benetton Group new store concepts is sustainability. In 2021, the Group made a concerted effort to improve energy efficiency in the stores through the installation of high-efficiency air ventilation systems, the use of LED lamps and the implementation of energy meters equipped with self-reading devices. Our commitment is also confirmed by the launch of the GREEN B store, a highly sustainable store concept.

GREEN B

United Colors of Benetton inaugurated in Florence a new store concept – characterised by the use of sustainable materials and cutting-edge-energy-efficient technologies – that will become a pilot case study for a new approach to low-impact retail.

The store extends on a single floor of 160 sqm, featuring natural and recycled materials. The floor is made of gravel from the Piave river and waste wood from beech trees felled by the Vaia storm, and the walls are treated with a mineral-based paint that has antibacterial and anti-mold properties, reducing pollutants in the environment.

The store interiors were produced with new materials that integrate waste from the textile

industry: used buttons (difficult to dispose of) mixed with hydro-resin were processed to develop perimeter platforms and display boards; recycled wool (in its raw wick state) was re-used as a pattern on the perimeter partition and as a decoration for the dressing room curtains; rossino, a material derived from recycled mixed textile fibers, was used to develop shelves, display boards and dummies. A sustainable system was developed specifically for the shop windows, with a reduction of the resources usually employed. The crystal-clear panels are fixed to the ceiling and they can be moved like a sort of theatrical backdrop, bringing to life the connection between the store and the street. The store windows are also equipped with transparent, low-impact LED screens projecting dedicated video contents according to local needs.

Energy consumption was reduced by 20% compared to that of a standard store. Miniature

sensors, artificial intelligence and data analysis are part of a concept intended to maximise store energy efficiency while ensuring customer comfort by automatically adjusting temperature and air flow based on the number of people in the shop.