The GPT Group (GPT), in collaboration with Shell Energy, has redefined the future of sustainable retail at its Chirnside Park Shopping Centre. The centre, owned by GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre fund has implemented an innovative sustainable solution that features the integration of cutting-edge energy assets—operated and managed by Shell Energy as a Smart Energy Hub—to reduce carbon emissions and unlock significant cost savings and diversified revenue streams for GPT.
As GPT’s first shopping centre to achieve Climate Active carbon neutral certification, Chirnside Park1 sets a new benchmark for sustainable retail operations, demonstrating how integrated energy solutions can move the needle on efficiency, operational costs, and carbon emission reduction goals. GPT Chirnside Park’s Smart Energy Hub brings together a suite of assets and solutions including a Battery Energy Storage System, LoadFlex technology, Power Factor Correction, and rooftop solar PV, all centrally coordinated and operated by Shell Energy.
As part of its commitment to sustainability leadership, The GPT Group is focused on setting industry standards and advancing innovation in energy management. At Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, GPT aimed to optimise energy use across the site, reduce energy costs and Scope 2 emissions, and enhance operational resilience through on-site renewable energy generation and storage.
This initiative builds on GPT’s Energy Master Plan, first launched in 2018 to transition GPT-managed assets toward a low carbon future. As a key partner in this journey, Shell Energy has contributed critical technical expertise and long-term support, collaborating closely with GPT on the deployment of resilient energy systems. As a result, Chirnside Park now operates as a carbon-neutral2 site, reflecting GPT’s long-term commitment to environmental leadership.
To address these challenges and unlock new revenue streams through active participation in the energy market, GPT engaged Shell Energy to transform Chirnside Park Shopping Centre into an advanced, integrated energy solution. The implementation included:
By taking a holistic approach to on-site energy optimisation, culminating in a Smart Energy Hub, Shell Energy has transformed The GPT Group’s Chirnside Park Shopping Centre into an advanced, integrated energy solution that not only reduces the site’s energy consumption from the grid and operational costs, but also strengthens the centre’s sustainability efforts and supports the local electricity grid.
The Chirnside Park Smart Energy Hub has achieved impressive results since 2022, significantly improving the site’s energy performance while generating substantial financial benefits.
Key performance outcomes include:
The integration of Shell Energy’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), LoadFlex and solar solutions has created multiple value streams for Chirnside Park Shopping Centre.
The project demonstrates the value for retail centres looking to optimise energy use and build smarter energy infrastructure while achieving financial and environmental goals. Through its commitment to sustainability and innovation, The GPT Group is helping to shape a greener, more resilient future for the retail sector.
Shell Energy is now supporting GPT in implementing similar solutions across its broader shopping centre portfolio. As one of the more energy-intensive in Australia, the retail sector accounts for approximately 50% of energy use in the commercial property sector and around 5% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions2—highlighting the importance of scalable, sustainable solutions.
“We are proud to assist GPT with innovative energy solutions that drive meaningful progress in clean energy generation, storage, efficiency and management at the site level. GPT has ambitious energy targets and a strong commitment to action, making it a pleasure to collaborate on piloting and scaling smart energy solutions.
Energy is one of the largest operating costs for many businesses and shopping centres. Through our Smart Energy Hub, we empower businesses not only to reduce these costs but also cut emissions and unlock new revenue streams.”
1 These figures are based on Chirnside Park lowering its peak demand on AusNet Critical Peak Demand days using multiple assets including LoadFlex, controls, PV and BESS. 2 Source: Chirnside Park certified as Victoria’s first carbon neutral shopping centre | GPT 3 Based on 2024 solar generation data. 4 Based on reporting covering the period from September 2023 to August 2024.
Sources: https://www.gpt.com.au/news-insights/chirnside-park-certified-victorias-first-carbon-neutral-shopping-centre Retail | energy.gov.au
