Romford’s Mercury Mall launches energy-generating floor that turns footsteps into electricity

L-R: Romford MP Andrew Rosindell and the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda Van Den Hende standing on the Pavegen energy and data harvesting walkway. Archant

A Romford shopping centre is one of the first retailers in the world to launch technology that converts the footsteps of visitors into electrical energy and rewards.

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Customers can use the Smart Rewards app on the Pavegen walkway in the Mercury Mall to find out how much electricity is being generated from their footsteps. Customers can use the Smart Rewards app on the Pavegen walkway in the Mercury Mall to find out how much electricity is being generated from their footsteps.

The Mercury Mall has installed panels in a new entrance walkway that converts the kinetic energy of customers’ footsteps, earning them smart reward points to spend in the centre while generating off-grid electricity.

Spencer Hawken, centre manager at the Mercury Mall said: “The exciting thing about the walkway is that it gives our customers a chance to play their part in our sustainability story, simply by walking into the centre.

“The whole idea is that sustainability should be fun and engaging - this installation is a visual place maker and when customers realise that their steps will be converted into reward points that they can spend here in our shops, that’s a win-win for all of us.”

The six-square metre system, designed by Pavegen displays the off-grid energy on screens, as well as notifications of new rewards for customers.

By checking on The Mercury Smart Rewards app, customers can convert the energy into personal ‘Smart Rewards’ points for discounts and offers at the centre.

Laurence Kemball-Cook, founder and CEO of Pavegen added: “Pavegen is all about putting people at the heart of smart city infrastructure.

“Our technology offers retailer owners and brands the opportunity to connect with people on these issues in a powerful way, and minimum effort.”

From Friday, May 11 until Friday May 18, customers are also encouraged to take part in March for Money to raise money for First Step, a Hornchurch charity that supports youngsters with disabilities.

A special platform with some of the pavegen panels has been temporarily installed in the shopping centre.

For every 1000 steps on the platform, McDonald’s Romford will donate £1 to First Step.

Local businesses are also encouraged to take part and book a time slot, for a voluntary donation.

While marching on the panels, participants can watch their progress as it is broadcast live on the Mercury Mall’s website.