CorpComms Magazine

A sustainability research and development lab has been set up by design experts at De Montfort University to help small to medium sized retailers reduce waste, cut costs and improve efficiency.

Peter Ford, a reader in design innovations at the university, said: 'The philosophy of the Retail Lab is to develop the research environment around individual business needs, focusing on sustainability and efficiency within the retail industry and the supply chain that supports it.'

The lab, housed in the university's faculty of art and design, is designed to bring together experts from a variety of fields, to work on specific projects tailored to individual clients.

'Our academics range from social scientists to technologists and designers, who have expertise in areas such as lighting, architecture, textiles, fashion, packaging and product design, as well as business and law.'

Researchers will evaluate the green credentials of the retailers' office, warehouse and shop space, constructing virtual models to monitor energy expenditure and reduce carbon outlay with tailored lighting, heating and ventilation solutions.

The lab will also analyse consumer reactions to the new designs using a 'mock shop' with eye gaze and body motion detectors. Ford noted: 'Retailers can be resistant to more sustainable, energy-efficient measures if they think customers will be put off visiting their shop or buying their goods. We want to show that good, sustainable design definitely does not have to have a negative effect on the customer experience.'

The Retail Lab will open during Universities Week, which runs from 14-20 June.

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