The Issue

Refrigeration typically represents around 35% of total energy use in discount retail stores, making it one of the largest operating expenses. Two national discount retailers were seeking to reduce energy costs, but prior initiatives had already captured most “low-hanging fruit” opportunities. With annual budgets finalized and capital constrained, the challenge was to find cost-effective solutions that could still deliver meaningful savings.

The Burton Solution

After aligning with client priorities, Burton identified refrigeration as the most impactful area for improvement. Leveraging utility incentive programs, Burton uncovered a suite of measures—door gaskets, strip curtains, anti-sweat heater controls, LED cooler lighting upgrades, and night covers—that were eligible for 100% funding. A review of utility data confirmed that more than 2,200 stores across 10 states qualified for participation.

Beyond implementing these upgrades, Burton added value by collecting detailed asset information during on-site surveys. Data included manufacturer details, unit age, lighting conditions, warranty issues, and other site-specific observations. This additional intelligence equipped client facilities and energy teams with actionable insights for ongoing maintenance and strategic planning.