Retailers make green shift

       Retailers are increasingly aware of environmental problems and are moving step-by-step to go green not only in their own stores but also in their suppliers.
       Tesco Lotus and Central Department Store are at the forefront of green initiatives this year with plans to reduce carbon dioxide (CO
       2) released.Tesco Lotus, for example, is seeking partners for a green label for products,said Saofang Ekaluckrujee, senior corporate affairs manager at Ek-Chai Distribution System Co, the chain's operator.
       The company wants to create customer awareness, she said.
       "If a 'green tax' takes effect immediately, it will definitely encourage private companies and producers to grow green more," said Ms Saofang.
       Ex-Chai has been very successful in joining with Philips Electronics Co to develop T5 light bulbs used at Tesco Lotus stores since 2006, she said. The company plans to change all bulbs at its stores to T5 models by next year.
       The company also plans energy-saving initiatives based on its ground-breaking Salaya branch, including installing sliding doors for frozen products at all Tesco Lotus stores nationwide, she said.
       Sirikate Chirakiti, executive vicepresident of store operations at Central Department Store, said the company was changing the raw materials of foam containers used at Central Department Store's Chidlom branch and Zen Department Store.
       Central Department Store is also conducting a feasibility study on new technology for its electrical transformer at Chidlom next year. This is expected to reduce energy use by 1-2%.
       From 2004 to the first eight months of 2009, the company has saved 17.79 million kilowatts in energy, she said.
       The company recently started using light-emitting diodes in showcases for several product categories and will install them in other parts of department stores.
       Central Department Store is considering selling environment-friendly products including fashion wear, she said.