Zumtobel creates circular lighting for Austria’s most sustainable PENNY store.
news.news.press release
11/10/2025
Zumtobel delivers circular lighting concept for Austria’s most sustainable PENNY discounter store. Opened in late October 2025, PENNY's new store with more than 700 m² of retail space on Lake Neusiedl demonstrates what comprehensive sustainability in modern retail looks like. The building’s striking timber frame is not only a visual highlight but also sets ecological benchmarks. Generous green spaces with plant islands, trees and wildflower meadows, as well as an insect hotel, foster biodiversity and improve the microclimate. Rainwater is infiltrated on-site via infiltration boxes and soakaways. Heating is provided exclusively by waste heat from the refrigeration system, which runs on 100 per cent green electricity. The concept is complemented by a rooftop photovoltaic system. Certified with the greenpass Silver label, the store exemplifies climate-resilient, resource-efficient construction – an environment in which Zumtobel lighting can fully play to its strengths, combining efficiency, circular design and visual comfort.
TECTON II for a compelling product presentation In black finish, Zumtobel’s TECTON II continuous-row lighting system ensures continuous general lighting in the sales area while also providing the infrastructure for accent lighting. The modular system impressed PENNY with its intuitive design, rapid tool-free installation and energy-efficient operation. With up to 211 lm/W efficacy and the use of durable premium components, the trunking system sets a new market benchmark. Developed together with the Italian design and engineering company Pininfarina, TECTON II was engineered with sustainability and circularity in mind – featuring a high recycled content, modular construction and straightforward refurbishment of materials to conserve resources. For strong product presentation, TECTON II is fitted with VIVO II M spotlights in various versions to deliver precise accents and a layered lighting scheme along the product ranges. At the checkouts, minimalist ECOOS II slim linear luminaires are mounted on the TECTON II track. The combination of high system efficiency, optimal glare control and needs-based controllability significantly improves energy efficiency without compromising visual quality, brand impact or task performance.
Zumtobel also focuses on efficiency and user comfort beyond the sales areas. In adjacent rooms, the modular MIREL evolution LAY LED recessed ceiling luminaire with lens optics provides uniform, wide-area illumination for focused work and safe operations. For standard-compliant emergency lighting, the overall system is complemented by the powerful Voyager One escape-route luminaire and the nBox L decentralized power supply system with single-luminaire monitoring. For ancillary areas and exterior lighting, solutions from Zumtobel’s sister brand Thorn were also installed, including the Beta 3 recessed luminaire, the Equaline Mini LED light-line luminaire, the moisture-resistant Aquaforce Pro, and the robust, high-performance Isaro Pro LED street luminaire.
Sustainability is aligned with the EU Green Deal
All products used are designed for low energy consumption and minimal maintenance over their entire life cycle. At the same time, the lighting solution already anticipates future sustainability requirements in line with the EU Green Deal.
“With the lighting concept implemented in this PENNY store, we demonstrate how sustainability, circularity and an attractive shopping experience can be combined in grocery retail. We’re not only showcasing the products for the discounter – we’re making a significant contribution to the overall sustainability of the new building,” says Patrick Czespiwa, Global Key Account Manager at Zumtobel. “Right from product design, we place great emphasis on sustainability, which is why the chosen lighting solution fully supports PENNY’s sustainability ambitions.”
The entire lighting solution is designed to keep energy demand for lighting permanently low, reduce maintenance requirements and close material loops. Thanks to its modular architecture, luminaires and components can be easily replaced, upgraded or reconfigured for new in-store uses. The PENNY sustainability store underlines that building services and architecture only unlock their full potential together. By opting for a circular lighting system, the market sets a precedent that goes far beyond a single project: sustainability moves from concept to measurable reality – ready for future standards and reporting. Zumtobel is supporting this transition with solutions that are efficient today and upgradeable for tomorrow – enabling responsible, economical and future-proof retail.