Reducing the embodied impacts of shopfitting equipment
BRE is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Reducing the embodied impacts of shopfitting equipment (IP 4/15) was written by Jon Mussett and Adam Robinson and published by BRE on 5 February 2015.
Major retailers have been reporting, managing and reducing their operational environmental impacts for some time. However, little is known about the embodied environmental impacts of shopfitting equipment.
Key functions of shopfitting equipment include:
- Presenting product: front-of-hose ambient/chilled food and non-food storage and display, fresh food servery counters and specialist categories (such as wine and books).
- Customer service: information desks, till points, self-service checkouts and café furniture.
- Communication: product promotion, store signage, customer information and branding.
In 2011, BRE in partnership with Marks & Spencer, DisplayPlan and FITCH, launched LIST, an online tool that models the impact of equipment designs, based on a cradle-to-grave life-cycle and taking into account packaging and transport impacts.
BRE has since collaborated with the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) to model a range of shopfitting equipment using the LIST tool to benchmark embodied impacts, estimate equipment impacts, examine case studies for reducing embodied impact through changes to equipment design and specification, and develop guidance for the industry.
This 8-page information paper gives the results of this collaborative study and sets out key considerations for cost-effective impact reduction. It provides guidance for designers and manufacturers on producing greener shopfitting display equipment and for retailers seeking to improve their environmental profile.
Its contents are:
- Introduction.
- Embodied impacts of items of shopfitting equipment.
- Estimating equipment impacts for the retail sector.
- Case study using a Marks & Spencer merchandising frame.
- Guidance for the retail industry.
- Conclusions.
- References.
[edit] Find out more.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM and retail
- BREEAM puts the emphasis on green retail
- BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Cheshire Oaks: Marks and Spencer
- Life cycle assessment.
- The essential guide to retail lighting
- The impact of lighting in retail design
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.