ATLANTA - A summit to identify the energy efficiency needs of retailers and challenge suppliers of HVACR, lighting, and related equipment to find ways to meet those needs is being held June 5 by the newly formed Retailer Energy Alliance (REA).

The Retailer Energy Alliance Supplier Summit is designed to open dialogue between retailers and suppliers. It takes place June 5 at the Marriott Denver West, in Golden, Colo. The summit will be held 1-5 p.m., with a reception following.

The Retailer Energy Alliance, whose steering committee is made up of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Best Buy, Food Lion, Home Depot, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, Kohl’s, McDonald’s, Safeway, Target, Wal-Mart, and Whole Foods Market, is aimed at promoting the use of energy-efficient technologies and management practices for retail operations. The U.S. Department of Energy coordinates and supports REA programs and initiatives and provides technical expertise through its national laboratories.

To achieve its goal, the Alliance is holding the summit to encourage sharing of information on technologies that reduce energy use and environmental impact, such as refrigeration systems, HVAC, food service equipment, lighting, and building controls.

“The summit is a unique event to learn about challenges that prevent retailers from utilizing a cost-effective, energy-efficient strategy for their operations and to begin a dialogue to find opportunities to meet those challenges,” said Don Colliver, ASHRAE’s representative on the Alliance.

Equipment manufacturers and retailers who wish to attend must register by June 2 at buildings.energy.gov/retailer/summit.html. Due to space constraints, no more than four people from each supplier may attend. More information on the REA may be found at buildings.energy.gov/retailer or by contacting Teri Davis of ASHRAE at tdavis@ashrae.org.

Publication date:05/26/2008