(Lonely Planet, Kelly Magyarics, 4.Jun.2019) — This week, La Feria in Santiago, Chile’s Barrio Bellavista became the first nightclub in the world to sustainably cover 100% of the energy it uses.
In a collaboration with Budweiser dubbed BUDXLAFERIA RENOVABLE, the project included carefully retrofitting the historical structure with 35 photovoltaic panels on the roof and in the main wall. In total the facility will produce 1299 kWh of energy monthly – more than enough to power its strobe lighting, cool down overheated clubgoers, run the sound system and provide all other electrical needs. This translates to a saving of 6.51 tons of CO2 annually that would have been otherwise emitted into the atmosphere – more than what five houses would consume.
“Chile is at the forefront of sustainability in the region and probably the world,” says Budweiser brand director Andrés Chaveyriat, who goes on to admit that that philosophy hadn’t permeated the bar scene, however – until now. “We hope this initiative can inspire and motivate other clubs in Chile and that in a few years [those that] operate on renewable energy are the rule and not the exception.”
The undertaking is part of a larger commitment by Budweiser to transform its global production by 2025 to 100% clean energy. (Right now, every Bud beer sold in Chile is produced using clean energy, and soon the company will begin producing beer there.) A few months ago the company, which cites electronic music as one of its brand pillars, approached La Feria’s owner Fernando Diaz with an idea to transform his nightclub into a tangible symbol of sustainability, and Diaz was fully on board. “We were thrilled to see all of our effort, time and dedication come to life in this very unique project,” Chaveyriat says.
The switchover happened on 30 May at a reopening attended by more than 400 guests. A video screening that documented the process from the initial plans to the installation was followed by a lever shifting that officially changed the energy source; English techno and house DJ Damian Lazarus spun the tunes throughout the evening.
Admittedly, La Feria is just one building in one little corner of the world. But Chaveyriat sees the impact of this enterprise as much greater. “BUDXLAFERIA RENOVABLE is a milestone that shows us that choosing renewable energy is an everyday decision that every consumer can make,” he declares. “With this initiative, going green and living responsibly looks less like something difficult to achieve.” Rave on.
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