Sustainability

7-Eleven continues to reduce electricity use in its stores.   The company has signed an agreement with TXU Energy to purchase 100% Texas wind energy for all its Texas stores located in competitive energy markets.    The 96-month wind energy agreement, which impacts 425 stores, starts June 1, 2018, and is expected to reduce 7-Eleven's carbon footprint by 6.7% while providing significant operating expense savings.  

VF Corp.'s new strategy is focused on maintaining the company's longevity — even in a rapidly changing marketplace.

A former Spice Girl has a new career.   Emma Bunton, a.k.a. Baby Spice, is the co-founder of a new environmentally-friendly diaper and skincare online store, according to Retail Gazette.   

Ikea has completed the installation of one of the largest solar rooftops in Ohio.   The solar panel installation is atop the retailer’s future store in Columbus, Ohio, due to open in summer 2017. The 213,000-sq.-ft. solar array consists of a 1.21 MW system, built with 3,546 panels, and will produce approximately 1,447,700 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of reducing 1,017 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).  

Home Depot disclosed an ongoing Environmental Protection Agency investigation into its lead safety practices related to its installation services business.   In an SEC filing published on Thursday, Home Depot disclosed an investigation by the EPA's criminal investigation division into its compliance with lead-safe work practices. Home Depot is currently cooperating with the EPA, having previously responded to civil document requests from several EPA regions.  

Ikea continues to grow its U.S. renewable energy portfolio, with a goal of being energy independent by 2020.   The retailer has completed installation of its fifth biogas-powered fuel cell system in California – and in the country – at its East Palo Alto location in the San Francisco Bay area.  

The nation’s largest consumer co-op reported a solid year amid ongoing sustainability achievements.     REI reported annual revenues of $2.56 billion in 2016, up 5.5% from $2.42 billion in 2015.    Same-store sales, which include direct to consumer sales, rose nearly 4% and digital sales grew by nearly 18%.  

Albertsons on Friday appointed Jonathan Mayes to the post of senior VP external affairs and chief diversity officer. In his new role, he will head up the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts, as well as its government relationships, philanthropy and sustainability departments.