Univers selected by supermarket retailer Albert Heijn to accelerate its path to net zero

Univers has been selected by Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, to deploy its microgrid and energy management solutions.

The move comes as part of the Dutch retailer's broader strategy to integrate sustainability across its operations, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and navigate increasing complexities in energy management. This initiative is also pitched as being significant for its potential to influence Scope 3 emissions, with Albert Heijn leveraging its position to encourage sustainability across its supply chain partners.

Michael Ding, Global Executive Director, Univers, says: “This strategic collaboration aligns our “AI for energy” expertise with Albert Heijn’s ambitious sustainability goals, highlighting our ability to address the unique needs of end-to-end complex operations that span over different assets, sites, and locations. Together, we look forward to setting a new benchmark for how organisations in the Netherlands can achieve operational excellence with the advanced AI and IoT technology.”

Rob Heesen, Director Business Development & Partnerships at Albert Heijn, says: "Partnering with Univers helps us in making a meaningful contribution to a healthier, more social, and more sustainable society. This solution will help us in our efforts of electrification and the use of renewable energy throughout our supply chain, which are crucial in achieving our climate goal of net zero by 2050 across the entire chain, from farm to customer." 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards. which will open for entries in March, 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.