When the temperatures are rising outside, it is very pleasant inside the SES centers. Hot days put a strain on our bodies and circulation – especially for older people, children or people with pre-existing conditions. So more and more people are specifically looking for places where they can cool down, breathe deeply and feel good. SES shopping malls offer precisely that: pleasant temperatures, air-conditioned comfort – and with the maximum energy efficiency too.

The constant comfortable temperature is all down to a sophisticated system: the modern ventilation systems with heat recovery, fresh air supply customized to requirements, and resource-saving cooling using groundwater or wells make SES shopping destinations places where people like to linger even during a heatwave. Care is taken to keep the temperature inside the mall pleasant, but not too cool. In summer it is no more than six to eight degrees on average below the temperature outside.

Smart ventilation – fresh air thoughtfully dispensed
A unique feature of the SES centers is the specially developed fresh air control system: the air quantity is dynamically adjusted to the visitor numbers, while simultaneously taking account of further parameters, namely: always sufficient oxygen, yet never too high an energy consumption. This technology makes a substantial contribution to the climate in the SES centers remaining stable, even with a high capacity utilization – which ensures they remain environment-friendly.

Christoph Andexlinger, CEO SES Spar European Shopping Centers:
“We consider it our responsibility to create real added value for our visitors with intelligent technology and sustainable thinking – particularly on the hottest days of the year, when our malls are places with a pleasant climate where people are happy to stay for a while.”

Currently: Red Cross cooling center at HUMA ELEVEN
An additional example is the cooperation on particularly hot days between the SES shopping center HUMA ELEVEN in Vienna and the Red Cross. Together they have set up a cooling center – a climatized refuge where people can cool down. One more example of how SES brings its responsibility to life.

Cooling with the sun, water and vision
As well as using green electricity – 100% from renewable sources – SES also generates its own power at several locations with photovoltaic systems or hydropower. SILLPARK in Innsbruck uses its own hydropower plant, while other centers such as ATRIO, MAX.CENTER or WEBERZEILE supply their installations with solar power which they generate themselves for their own use. The MAX.CENTER Wels and VARENA Vöcklabruck even use groundwater for cooling – which is energy-saving and efficient. This efficiency can also be measured: in 2024 the total energy requirement was reduced by around 3.9 million kWh compared to the previous year, with the same or better output.

ZIMBAPARK Bludenz Bürs
In 2024 one of the previous gas boilers was replaced with a climate-neutral water heat pump. With a thermal capacity of around 1 megawatt, it covers 95% of the center’s heat requirement. In addition, the innovative use of thermal groundwater provides environment-friendly cooling in summer.