Scotmid development project managerm David Greenshields, said: “By lowering our energy consumption, Aerofoils will make a significant contribution to our target reduction in gross emissions of 30 percent by 2020. Aerofoils are therefore a major component in our corporate environmental strategy.”

The initiative is led by Impact Shopfitting, which specified aerofoil technology for the retailer after excellent feedback from store trials. Impact will manage the installation of aerofoils in Scotmid’s 186 convenience stores across Scotland and the North of England. 

Derek Wilson, operations director for Impact Shopfitting, said: “Scotmid have had aerofoils installed in several locations for some time now, and we were impressed by their robustness and customer-friendly aesthetics, in addition to their energy performance.”

Aerofoils were conceived and developed by Aerofoil Energy in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams Group that includes the Formula One racing team. They prevent cold air from spilling out of the refrigeration cabinet, resulting in lower energy use, fewer carbon emissions and warmer aisles in stores. 

Paul McAndrew, Aerofoil Energy chief executive, said: “Scotmid joins our rapidly growing list of UK and international clients that are benefitting from aerofoil technology. Our customers enjoy savings of up to 30 percent on refrigeration energy costs through this straightforward, cost-effective and retrofit solution.”

Aerofoil Energy worked closely with Williams Advanced Engineering to refine the original Aerofoil concept, using Williams’ proven expertise in aerodynamic design and testing from four decades of success in Formula One racing.

The aerofoil product has won multiple awards in recognition of its innovative nature, and was most recently a finalist with the Royal Academy of Engineering for its MacRobert Award, the UK’s most prestigious and longest-running engineering prize.