Panda Express to deploy smart building technology across all U.S. locations
Panda Express is rolling out an automated energy management system that will control lighting and HVAC across all its U.S. eateries.
The quick-serve Asian dining chain will deploy GridPoint Intelligence to all U.S. locations during the next 18 months in a move to optimize energy use, reduce energy costs and ensure that its restaurants remain at maximum temperature comfort for customers and employees amid varied climate conditions. The rollout follows a 200-store pilot, which generated measurable energy cost savings and reduced CO2 emissions.
GridPoint’s smart building technology platform automates critical building functions and actively manages energy operations within each individual location. The automation will allow Panda Express, which has nearly 2,500 across the U.S., to optimize energy usages particularly during peak periods that will impact the comfort of customers and employees.
GridPoint Intelligence will control all in-store HVAC and lighting at all of Panda’s U.S. locations and provide facility managers with insight into real-time operational and environmental performance, resulting in reportable emissions offset.
“We have sought solutions that can deliver data-driven insights, automated energy efficiency and immediate savings by monitoring and controlling energy consumption within our facilities in real time and are excited to partner with GridPoint to roll out their energy management system across our store portfolio,” said James Ku, chief development officer at Panda Restaurant Group. “Optimizing our buildings in this manner frees up time and resources for our associates to continue prioritizing our core mission, which is to deliver exceptional dining experiences for our guests."
Offering a full suite of asset monitoring, testing, reporting and control capabilities across a company’s entire energy profile and carbon footprint, GridPoint Intelligence leverages data analytics, patented algorithms and intelligent automation to provide visibility into complex building operations, optimize energy consumption and cost, automate decarbonization and improve resiliency.
“Panda’s selection to implement GridPoint across all its restaurants is even more meaningful because they centered this decision around what is best for their associates and guests,” said Mark Danzenbaker, CEO at GridPoint. “Maximizing energy efficiency and decarbonization in complex commercial buildings requires a technology-driven approach. We are especially proud to partner with Panda in addressing global energy goals one building, guest and associate at a time.”