04.09.2008, Karstadt and EWE NaturWatt working together
Essen/Oldenburg, 4 September 2008. Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH (Essen) and the green electricity supplier, NaturWatt GmbH based in Oldenburg, have entered into a climate protection co-operation agreement. From 8th September, customers who buy energy-saving household appliances from Karstadt and sign a contract with EWE NaturWatt for the supply of electricity will receive a bonus payment of up to 100 euros from the green electricity supplier. The offer is available throughout Germany in all 90 Karstadt branches with the purchase of washing machines, driers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and cookers that carry an energy-efficiency rating of A or better. Appliances costing under 399 euros qualify for a bonus payment of 50 euros, and those costing over 399 euros, 100 euros.
Karstadt see themselves as pioneers: "We have supported various environmental projects for decades, and now this joint project offers our customers the opportunity to contribute to environmental protection. They will be saving electricity and promoting clean energy" says Dr Christian Treffer, the project leader at Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, the force behind the co-operation.
Dr Martin Baumert explains why large electrical household appliances are the subject of the joint project: "Climate protection should be part of everyday life, and, by changing to energy-efficient household appliances, consumers are taking a major step in this direction. Those who wish to pursue this consistently should also change to green energy. Our co-operation offers a financial incentive to save energy and convert to green electricity." Data from the Federal Environmental Agency (Umweltbundesamts, or UBA) confirms that shrewd purchasing of household appliances also brings consumers economic benefits, because households can thereby save up to 30% of energy consumption. Old refrigerators and freezers consume large amounts of energy.
According to Treffer, the Oldenburg green energy supplier was chosen as a partner company on account of their energy quality and credibility. NaturWatt are certified by (technical validation company) TÜV Nord. The energy supplier monitors the age and environmental standards of its generating plant. EWE NaturWatt plough their profits entirely into the promotion of renewable energies - as stated in the shareholder partnership agreement.
About EWE NaturWatt GmbH
EWE NaturWatt GmbH are an Oldenburg-based electricity supplier dealing exclusively with electricity produced using the water-, wind- and solar power. In addition, the company invest their profits in the development of renewable energies. The energy supplier EWE AG (90%), Emden public utilities (5%) and Norden public sector enterprises (5%) are shareholders.
About Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH
Rudolph Karstadt opened his first shop on 14 May 1881 in Wismar. 127 years after their foundation, Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Arcandor AG, are one of Europe's leading department stores. 2.5 million customers visit the 90 Karstadt department stores and the 28 Karstadt sports shops every day. Stefan W. Herzberg is the company chairman.
Contact:
Oliver Heitmann:
EWE NaturWatt GmbH, Rummelweg 14, 26122 Oldenburg
Tel.: (0441) 35 09 10 - 30, Fax: (0441) 35 09 10 - 59
e-mail: oliver.heitmann@ewe-naturwatt.de
Martin Schleinhege:
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Theodor-Althoff-Straße 2, 45133 Essen
Tel.: (0201) 727-9667, Fax: (0201) 727 69 -9667
e-mail: martin.schleinhege@karstadt.de