Sustainability

SOLON, Ohio — Nestlé plans on investing $53 million in a new product technology center, which will expand the company's existing R&D facility in Solon, Ohio.

It seemed like everyone had a take on President Barack Obama’s big climate change speech this week and among them was Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., president and CEO Mike Duke.

Walmart had a comment from Duke ready to go less than an hour after the President concluded his remarks on Tuesday at Georgetown University. As expected, Duke applauded the president and his administration for their commitment to renewable energy and conservation and then piggybacked on the speech to tout Walmart’s own accomplishments and commitment to the renewable energy and conservation.

Arby's identifies more than $5.5 million in potential savings for energy program

Arby's Restaurant Group has taken an aggressive stance with regard to its third largest and most controllable expense: energy. Faced with rising costs, the chain developed a strategic energy management plan that identified more than $5.5 million in potential annual savings.

Annual study tracks cost of building and outftting stores

The cost of building and outfitting stores is on the rise, according to Chain Store Age's 2013 Store Construction and Outfitting Survey.

Kroger is committing to moving its stores toward the EPA zero waste threshold of 90%, according to its seventh annual sustainability report.

Currently Kroger diverts 58% of its waste from stores and will increase that figure to 65% by the end of this year and 70% by the end of 2015. The retailer also is committing to sourcing 100% certified sustainable palm oil by the end of 2015.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples has reached the milestone of having 500 buildings meet EPA Energy Star certification. The facilities include stores, distribution centers and sales offices nationwide. Staples also launched a goal to reach 1,000 Energy Star facilities by the end of 2016.

ZEELAND, Mich. — Office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller posted strong fourth quarter results and offered an indication that demand may finally pick up for other segments of the office products world. 

The company reported net sales for the quarter ended June 1 of $460 million, an increase of 9.3% from $420.7 the same quarter last fiscal year. For the full fiscal year, net sales were $1.8 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.9% from $1.7 billion. 

Cincinnati – As part of its seventh annual sustainability report, Kroger is committing to moving its stores toward the EPA zero waste threshold of 90%. Currently Kroger diverts 58% of its waste from stores and will increase that figure to 65% by the end of this year and 70% by the end of 2015. The retailer also is committing to sourcing 100% certified sustainable palm oil by the end of 2015.