Inditex to make all its stores eco-efficient by 2020

With more than 1300 eco-efficient stores worldwide since 2007, Inditex, the name behind leading fashion brands like ZARA and Massimo Dutti, plans to bring all its stores under eco-efficient model by 2020. The sustainability and energy efficiency measures built into the stores deliver an average saving of 30% on electricity usage, 50% in water consumption and notable reduction in greenhouse gas compared to the regular store design models. Going beyond in-store environmental metrics, Inditex also gives importance to the stores’ contact with their surroundings.

In terms of store design, Inditex also has given priority to recycled or re-used materials and locally-sourced materials that can save energy in the course of extraction, manufacture and transportation. Since 2009, Inditex has also been following guidelines by USGBC (US Green Building Council), one of the most demanding, independent authorities in the field of environmentally-friendly buildings.  In 2009, some of Europe’s ZARA and ZARA Homes stores complied with the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification and many more followed. Some of these certified stores are today situated in places like Rome, Rotterdam, Munich, Lisbon, Madrid, Mexico, San Francisco, Melbourne, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Beijing.

“Sustainability means understanding that our business model plays an integral role in the communities and environment in which we operate. It also means looking to the long term and adding social value to the company’s performance,” said Pablo Isla, Chairman of inditex.