PriceSmart designs and constructs its buildings, not only, in compliance with both local and international regulations but also with an aim to be at the forefront of sustainability. In building its facilities and clubs, PriceSmart aims to mitigate its environmental impact and to lead the way in building facilities that will be models for innovation going into the future.

PriceSmart is keenly aware of the need to responsibly manage its energy, water, and materials usage and, where possible, to reuse materials for various purposes. The company has implemented several sustainable initiatives throughout its Clubs including:

Energy

Energy

Solar Panels
  • In FY2024, we expanded our solar generating capacity by 25,657 kWp – an increase of 8.10% – to 27,735 kWp total by expanding existing arrays in the following locations: Zapote, Escazú, Heredia, Llorente, and Tres Ríos in Costa Rica; El Sauce, Honduras; and Pradera, Guatemala. In addition, we opened two new clubs in FY2024 which are being considered for solar arrays. We also installed a 1,439 kWp rooftop array on our Miami distribution center, which houses our east coast corporate office. At the end of FY2024, 45 of our 54 clubs had rooftop solar arrays, and during FY2024 our installations generated 31,952,763 kWh of clean power, an increase of 15.8% over FY2023.
Energy Information
Year Total Solar MWh Generated
2022 22,925
2023 27,581
2024 31,952

Lighting Systems

  • LED technology is used in most of our clubs. These fixtures offer energy savings, higher versatility in installation, and a reduction in maintenance and replacement costs due to their extended life span.
Hot Water Reclamation Systems
  • Heat waste from both Refrigeration and AC systems is captured to produce hot water and interior humidity control without incremental energy production or using other sources of energy.
Energy Committee
  • In FY2022, we re-established our energy committee, which is composed of more than 80 members of the PriceSmart team from all levels of the organization. The committee meets quarterly to discuss the company's energy-related programs and initiatives, ensure that they are being implemented, and track progress. The committee also provides managers and employees with guidance regarding best practices to reduce energy consumption in our clubs and across the PriceSmart organization.

Lighting Systems

Water

Water

Interactions with water as a shared resource
  • PriceSmart generally receives its potable water from public utilities. That supply is typically a function of rainwater capture in local reservoirs, which is treated and distributed through a network of piping systems. Primary business uses are for our Member and Employee restrooms, the cleaning of food preparation areas, and consumption by Members in the dispensing of self-service beverages.
  • The company has installed low-flow plumbing fixtures, sensor activated automatic faucets, and variable speed domestic water pumping stations that optimize the amount of water that is required at any one time.
Irrigation Systems
  • PriceSmart reuses wastewater for downstream purposes in some of its clubs. In Colombia, treated wastewater is used for landscape irrigation and restroom operations.
  • In Costa Rica, USVI, Barbados, and Aruba harvested rainwater is used for some club activities including outside power washing, cleaning of shopping carts, and other non-potable general purposes. In the US Virgin Islands, PriceSmart utilizes sand carbon filters, UV lighting, and chlorine dosing to convert the harvested rainwater into potable water.

Recycle steel

Construction & Facilities

Recycled Steel
  • One key element in the construction of PriceSmart's facilities is the steel structure of the building Steel materials used are comprised of 70 recycled materials.
Locally Sourced Construction Materials
  • Heavy components like cement and concrete blocks are sourced locally. This allows us to reduce negative impacts on the environment due to materials transportation and at the same time allows us to help support the local economy.
CO2 Systems
  • PriceSmart has nine CO2 refrigeration systems; seven in Colombia and two in Costa Rica. CO2 refrigerant is less damaging to the ozone layer compared to other types of refrigerants.