An important milestone in sustainability and social responsibility:
The COOP supermarket in Empoli Pontorme has achieved the BREEAM International In-Use: Commercial – Excellent certification, confirming the environmental, social, and management quality of the building.
This certification was made possible thanks to the coordinated work of INRES S.c.r.l., the national consortium responsible for the development and management of COOP retail stores, which oversaw the design and construction management, and the technical support of Macro Design Studio, acting as BREEAM In-Use Assessor and BREEAM AP consultant.
“Unicoop Firenze is one of Italy’s main cooperatives operating in Tuscany, and has always been strongly committed to social and environmental sustainability,” explains Nicola Fredducci, Head of Energy and Environment at INRES. “We wanted to demonstrate that our construction standards meet the highest levels of sustainable building performance, choosing the BREEAM framework for verification.”
The certified COOP supermarket, covering approximately 2,000 square meters, stands out for its integrated approach, which considers both the social value of the project and the tangible benefits for those who experience it daily.
From a social perspective, the building was designed to be fully accessible and inclusive: all internal and external routes are free of architectural barriers, and dedicated parking spaces are provided for both people with disabilities and expectant mothers. Overhead signage ensures easy orientation within the store, while every detail—from accessible taps and suitably positioned switches to the presence of a baby changing station—has been designed to guarantee usability and comfort for all types of users.
Regarding benefits for the end user, the building integrates technological and management solutions focused on well-being, sustainability, and efficiency. To improve indoor air quality in work areas, CO₂ sensors have been installed in staff zones. Lighting is entirely LED, equipped with motion sensors that enhance both energy performance and visual comfort. The HVAC system uses temperature probes and CO₂ sensors to regulate indoor comfort while optimizing consumption.
Water consumption is reduced through a dual water network supplying toilets and irrigation using a rainwater collection tank. Additionally, all faucets feature flow-reducing aerators.
Finally, waste separation is managed systematically and effectively, while sustainable mobility has been promoted through the installation of bicycle racks and electric vehicle charging stations.
“Unicoop Firenze chose not to stop at the minimum requirements of the protocol, but to go further—taking every opportunity to enhance the value of the entire project,” says Luisa Tonelli, BREEAM In-Use Assessor and Partner at Macro Design Studio. “It was a conscious and tangible commitment that led to a truly remarkable achievement!”