Discount retailer One Beyond saves £200,000+ annually thanks to Lowe Rental green partnership

One Beyond, a UK value retailer with 100+ stores, says it has slashed operational costs and reduced its environmental footprint with an upgrade to its energy efficient in-store refrigeration in partnership with Lowe Rental.

Its large fleet of open fronted multideck display fridges consumed large amounts of energy due to constant exposure to ambient store air. With rising energy costs and sustainability targets, refrigeration became a key focus. One Beyond set out to replace its nationwide fleet with modern, energy efficient units without disrupting store operations or tying up significant capital.

Partnering with Lowe Rental, a specialist in commercial refrigeration and catering equipment, it replaced its old units with doored multidecks provided under the company’s Rental+ plan.

The agreement was structured as a five-year rental deal including: preventative maintenance and rapid response support to minimise downtime; modern doored refrigeration units designed to reduce energy consumption by over 70%; capital free upgrade, enabling One Beyond to modernise without a large upfront investment while spreading costs predictably over five years.

Results and impact

• Electricity reduction: Over 70% decrease in energy consumption across the store network.

• Annual energy savings: £320,000.

• Net savings after rental costs: £206,000 per year.

• Operational benefits: Improved temperature consistency, quieter operation, and enhanced product presentation.

• Environmental impact: Significant cut in carbon emissions, supporting One Beyond’s sustainability objectives.

The upgraded cabinets have also contributed to a visually appealing store environment that supports One Beyond’s goal of improving the shopping experience for its customers.

Dave Evans, Retail Operations Manager at One Beyond, comments: “Lowe Rental has been an ideal partner in this initiative, offering not just state-of-the-art refrigeration cabinets on its Rental+ plan, but also the maintenance and service solutions that ensure these refrigeration cabinets operate at peak efficiency.”

“Our investment in energy efficient refrigeration aligns with our mission to offer value to both our customers and the environment. Through working with the team at Lowe Rental, it has enabled us to reduce our electricity usage and overall operating costs while also providing a more modern shopping atmosphere for our customers.”

Ross Hackney, Director of Sales at Lowe Rental, says: “We are committed to providing cost-saving solutions for our customers and it has been a pleasure working with One Beyond. This partnership highlights its forward thinking approach to business operations and environmental stewardship, with long-term benefits for both the company and its customers.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.