2015 Activity and Sustainable Development Report3

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IMPROVING OUR CLIENTS PERFORMANCE

While the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency solutions no longer needs demonstration, the high initial investment can sometimes discourage companies and private owners. To overcome this barrier, Rexel and its partners developed a range of solutions to fund the installation of new equipment via anticipated energy savings.

FINANCING INVESTMENTS The first financing solutions offered by Rexel were dedicated to lighting, and later evolved to include different types of energy efficient solutions. They completed the turnkey solutions offered to installers, supporting their development and productivity. The installer s ability to explain how energy savings will finance an installation can convince uncertain customers. In 2015, more than 100 projects were financed through partnerships with companies specializing in financing corporate end customers. Therefore, DLL, a subsidiary of

RaboBank, is offering them leasing solutions via Rexel installers in eight countries (China, Finland, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and the UK).

A MORE EFFICIENT LIGHTING SOLUTION One of the world s leaders in its sector wanted to renovate the lighting in one of its largest stores in Europe. Its goal was threefold: improve the customer experience, optimize the amount of energy consumed by lighting (30% of its electricity bill) and reduce its environmental footprint. In 2015, this client asked Rexel to conduct a technical study for a new LED lighting installation and suggest a financing solution. Rexel s proposal was to replace the existing lamps with latest- generation LEDs. Energy and maintenance savings being greater than lease payments over 5 years, the project was self-financed at no additional cost to the client. In one year, the energy consumed by lighting will be reduced by over 30%, saving 4 TCO2e*. The new lighting

Selling energy savings

will also divide by five the number of maintenance operations. Finally, the quality of the lighting has improved by 50%, which means a better customer experience and improved working conditions for employees.