Hornbach aims to operate its first energy-neutral store

The German DIY store group Hornbach has opened the first store that it intends to operate on an energy-neutral basis. Located in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, it is Hornbach's 16th store in the country. Installed on the roof are 3 000 solar collectors, producing energy that the company will use itself as well as supplying the public grid. Hornbach has invested around 33.5 mio euros in the site, construction and facilities of the store, which has a retail area of 16 500 m².
The German home improvement chain has announced a further expansion in the Netherlands, which is now the second-biggest region in the group based on the number of stores. Next spring Hornbach will open its 17th store in the country, while preparations are already in hand for store number 18.