SME food shop in Kyrgyz Republic demonstrates best examples of sustainable energy development

In 2011, a young entrepreneurial family in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic decided to open a small food shop “Close to home”; a simple name with homely and cosy associations. There were difficulties in the beginning, but the family survived the hardships, focusing primarily not on the pursuit of profits, but on care for their customers.

The family dreamt that their shop would be a modern place with advanced equipment. They applied to KyrSEFF for financing, because this credit line facility promotes sustainable energy solutions – exactly what the family was looking for.

The project included installation of new refrigerating equipment, new energy efficient lighting, air conditioners and windows with cold-proof screens. All the equipment was selected based on its convenience factor and low energy consumption.

The KyrSEFF team performed the investment analysis, assessed the potential for energy savings, and also assisted the owners with implementation advice.

The $50,000 investment allowed the owners to improve the company’s service and image, as well as decreasing energy consumption by 57 MWh of electricity per year. The project will be repaid out of energy savings rather fast, turning the energy cost savings into the company’s income for years to come.

Today the entrepreneurs plan to improve the local infrastructure through utilisation of used paper packages. Used plastic and paper will be processed, securing the no-waste production.

“We are very interested in new technologies and believe that soon all native business will shift to green technologies, as it is profitable and advantageous. Every day our shop is visited by partners and friends, who are curious about sustainable energy solutions, renewables in particular. We would be happy to become a pioneer in this sector. Special thanks to the donor, the European Union, and the EBRD, and especially to the KyrSEFF team”.

Such business examples not only encourage people to come together to improve their quality of life, but implants a culture of a wise and careful attitude to the environment and its resources.