Sustainability

 

By Ryan Gilchrist

Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s and select other retailers already rank among the nation’s leading producers of solar energy, with huge investments that are growing every year. But the industry’s strong position in renewable energy still has room for improvement — literally — with millions of unutilized roof space, prime real estate for solar panels and wind turbines.

 

By Judah Regenstreif

 

As federal laws become increasingly strict and technology continues to advance, the necessity for a retailer to focus on long-term sustainability is crucial for continued growth. Companies are faced with the pressure to reduce energy and manage operating costs and maintenance expenses.

 

Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market’s newest store combines the 56-year-old grocer’s signature Old World traditions with leading-edge technology. The 100,000-sq.-ft. store, in Carol Stream, Illinois, houses state-of-the art refrigeration equipment that helps set it apart from other local supermarkets.

Mark Dunson, Emerson Climate Technologies   Supermarkets are utilizing data-driven approaches to offset a moderate economy, varying consumer behavior and the continued rise of online competitors. Achievement often depends on reacting well to difficult issues or, better, getting ahead of the next obstacles. There's no telling how the year will develop, but there are several clear challenges and opportunities for savvy supermarkets in 2015.   

PLEASANTON, Calif. - For the second year in a row, Safeway Inc. has received a perfect score of 100% on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBT equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.  

Spokane, Wash. - Over half (57%) of retail respondents have an energy/building management system installed, according to an annual survey by energy and sustainability management  company Ecova.  

Walmart has announced the 75 winners of its Food Pantry Holiday Makeover campaign, which gifts a food pantry organization with a $20,000 grant for renovations. 

Kroger has gotten the ultimate green seal of approval from the EPA.

The federal government has announced that Kroger is the only grocery retailer to be granted elite Energy Star Certification status by the EPA.

"Kroger is committed to reducing our impact on the environment, and our Energy Star certified buildings have delivered energy and cost savings as well as reduce our carbon footprint," said Keith Oliver, Kroger's VP for facility engineering. "We are pleased to help our partners at the EPA celebrate 15 years of Energy Star certifications."