Sainsbury’s new 50,000 sq ft Gloucester Quays eco-store, which opened in July, extends the lead taken by the supermarket chain’s Dartmouth store by installing Monodraught Sunpipe natural daylighting systems throughout the building.

As electricity reduction is a high priority at Gloucester Quays, Sainsbury has ensured maximum use of natural daylight by installing a total of 146, 750mm diameter Diamond dome Sunpipes in the roof.

David Sheehan, Sainsbury’s director of store development and the man responsible for both the Gloucester Quays project and the Dartmouth store, is enthusiastic about the potential for Sunpipes, saying: “We want to make natural light our standard.”

He goes on to explain that, as the line of Sunpipes above the aisles flood the area with natural daylight to a predetermined lux level, the electric lights are automatically switched off, with no noticeable difference in lighting levels. He estimates that the energy-savings will produce significant cost-savings.

Commenting for Monodraught, managing director Tony Cull says: “Sunpipes were first used in supermarkets to bring natural daylight into staff areas, cafes and toilets, but more recent installations, such as the Sainsbury eco-stores, have realised their true potential on the main sales floor. Sunpipes are now bringing all the benefits of natural daylight to the thousands of Sainsbury’s customers every week.

Summing up for Sainsbury’s David Sheehan says: "Environmental features such as Sunpipes mean we are able to improve the store environment for our customers and colleagues at the same time as reducing our carbon footprint across the UK.