The First Ever ‘Net Zero’ Energy Department Store is Opening in Quebec

The first that pops into your mind when you think of sustainability in fashion is usually a smaller label like Nicole Bridger or Laura Siegel, who use eco-friendly fabrics and employ ethical manufacturing, or even H&M’s organic cotton “Conscious” collection – but what about the retail side of the equation? Most labels don’t take the entire life cycle of a product into account, from how it is sold to whether it gets recycled.

Simons, the 178-year-old retailer from Quebec is out to change that. On March 15^th, they’ll be opening a net zero energy retail store in the Galeries de la Capitale shopping centre in Quebec City, replacing their existing store in the same mall.

‘Net zero’ means the store will produce as much energy as it consumes annually, which will be achieved by the installation of a geothermal heating system that pulls warmth, or conversely pumps heat from the store back into the ground to cool the store, and a solar electric system in the parking area that will generate the equivalent of the amount of energy used by 50 homes in a year.

“Building a net zero energy store is the culmination of a six-year voyage of learning, understanding and discussing what our company’s roles and responsibilities are regarding environmental impact,” says Peter Simons, co-owner and President of Simons. “It takes extremely committed partners to achieve a goal like this and Oxford Properties stepped up, allowing us to make significant structural changes like drilling geothermal boreholes outside the shopping centre.”

Inside the store is a “WeWatt” station where customers can charge their phones by pedalling on a stationary bicycle that generates electricity. It’s a creative concept and fun way to demonstrate to consumers that there’s more to electricity than just fitting a plug into a wall.

Simons demonstrates that large retailers can up their game and walk the talk when it comes to sustainability in their stores – and that sustainability must be incorporated into the entire life cycle of a product, not just the origin.

“Now we must wait and see if Canadians choose to support companies like ours that are taking leadership roles on these big issues,” adds Simons. “Do Canadians believe that companies have a responsibility to the communities where they do business? Will Canadians make a conscious effort to shop at retailers that are making an effort? I hope so.”