Sustainability

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Ikea said Tuesday it plans to increase the solar array atop its two-year-old Centennial, Colo. store, with panel installation slated to begin in July.

Completion of what is already Colorado’s largest single-use rooftop array on a commercial building is slated for this fall, and will elevate the project to the state’s largest rooftop array of any use.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin’ Donuts provided highlights of its new store design, the brand's first in nearly seven years. The new layout and contemporary look maintains the brand's focus on helping people get in and get on their way, while incorporating new features to create a warm environment for guests who seek a longer, more relaxed visit.  Inviting seating areas include updated furniture and lighting, as well as convenient electrical outlets and bar top areas for smartphones and computers.

New York -- Sixty-percent of retailers have energy management systems within their site portfolios, but only 46% have a formal energy management strategy in place.
 
Those are among the findings of a survey conducted by Ecova, a total energy and sustainability management company. In other survey findings, 44% of the respondents said they currently benchmark their portfolio or sites, and 21% have applied for the Energy Star label for their portfolio.

Glenview, Ill. -- Eco Gym will open an 8,300-sq.-ft. solar- and human-powered health club at Glenbrook Market Place in Glenview, Ill., a North Shore suburb of Chicago, according to Mid-America Asset Management Inc., the landlord’s representative.

The fitness center, Eco Gym’s second, will use a combination of human kinetic power and solar power to generate electricity for its equipment. As members use the equipment, they generate more power to the central power grid, which lowers monthly dues.

Brussels, Belgium -- Jean-Pierre Hansen is resigning from the board of directors of The Delhaize Group effective June 30. Hansen, who initially joined in 2011, said the position required more time than he anticipated and he needed to attend to commitments in the energy sector and other unspecified duties.

“I have very much enjoyed working with great colleagues on the Board and wish the company well in its future growth," said Hansen.

Reduced landfill waste, fewer accidents and increased sales from environmentally friendly products were among the accomplishments Kimberly-Clark touted in its 10th annual sustainability report.

The company’s report, a comprehensive overview progress against its sustainability and corporate responsibility efforts, highlights significant developments in key areas of people, planet and products. Kimberly-Clark manufacturers some of the worlds best known brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo has chosen three schools as the grand prize winners of the 2012-13 PepsiCo Dream Machine Recycle Rally, a national recycling program and contest designed to encourage students to recycle every day.  

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Target announced that its first 24 store locations in Ontario (Canada) have been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification. As previously announced, the discounter is seeking LEED certification for all 124 stores scheduled to open in Canada this year.