Minimani’s energy upgrades lower costs and improve store comfort

Finland’s family-owned Minimani retail chain is showing how strategic building upgrades can deliver both financial and operational gains. Investments in geothermal heating, modern refrigeration and LED lighting have reduced energy use, improved in-store conditions and strengthened long-term property efficiency—an approach relevant to commercial property managers and contractors planning renovations.

Key takeaways

Minimani’s experience highlights several practical lessons for commercial properties:

• Electricity consumption has declined by approximately 10% annually over the past three years.

• Geothermal systems now provide heating and cooling at several stores.

• Refrigeration upgrades capture waste heat and reduce cold-air spread.

• LED lighting improves visibility while lowering electricity demand.

• Energy projects can support both operating margins and customer comfort.

A long-term approach to energy efficiency

Minimani began making major efficiency investments with a geothermal heating and cooling system at its Rovaniemi hypermarket in 2019. After positive results, similar systems were introduced at stores in Kokkola and Seinäjoki, with Vaasa planned as the next location.

The chain has also modernised refrigeration, one of the largest electricity loads in grocery retail. New carbon dioxide-based systems, doors on refrigerated cases and heat-recovery solutions help the business use energy more effectively instead of allowing it to dissipate.

For property managers and contractors evaluating comparable upgrades, the project demonstrates the value of assessing a building’s complete energy profile. Lighting, HVAC, refrigeration and controls often work together, making a coordinated plan more effective than isolated improvements.

Measurable savings and faster payback

According to Pekka Haapanen, who oversees Minimani’s properties, electricity consumption has fallen by about 10% each year for the past three years, even as the company operates electrically powered heat pumps.

Payback periods vary by project. LED lighting upgrades can recover their cost in less than two years, while larger energy renovations typically take about five years. The Rovaniemi geothermal installation had an estimated six-year payback and has now paid for itself.

For commercial and industrial facilities, high-performance LED systems can be a practical starting point. Led Lumenaires supports contractors and property managers with spec-ready SKUs, bulk availability, layouts, rebate guidance and large-quote assistance—important considerations when efficiency projects span multiple locations.

Better conditions for customers and staff

The benefits extend beyond utility bills. Doors on refrigeration units help limit cold-air movement and maintain more consistent store temperatures. LED lighting has improved illumination while reducing electricity consumption, creating a more comfortable and functional environment for employees and shoppers.

These outcomes are especially relevant in retail, hospitality and other occupied properties, where lighting quality and thermal comfort directly influence daily operations. Reliable commercial-grade products, appropriate layouts and careful installation can help ensure that efficiency improvements do not compromise visibility or usability.

Planning makes projects more successful

Caverion supported Minimani with solution design, system sizing, implementation and identification of available investment subsidies. Haapanen emphasised that careful preparation and a clear understanding of both technical performance and financial impact are essential to sound investment decisions.

Companies do not need to complete every upgrade at once. Starting with an energy audit or a review of the largest consumption points can reveal where relatively simple operational changes—such as ventilation optimisation or eliminating unnecessary energy use—may deliver immediate value. A phased plan can then guide larger investments, including lighting, heating and refrigeration upgrades.

Sources

• Energy efficiency investments deliver savings and a better shopping experience at Minimani, Nordea.