Sustainability

Specialty bedding retailer Mattress Firm has reduced its utility costs by more than $1 million by using an automated energy management system to control its HVAC and lighting.

At a time when many bookstores, independents and chains, are struggling, Half Price Books remains on an upward trajectory, adding stores and expanding into new markets. The company opened its first store in 1972 in a converted, 1,000-sq.-ft. laundromat in Dallas, and now operates 113 stores across 16 states. It is the largest family-owned new and used bookstore chain in the United States.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that the company has been recognized with its third Green Power Partner of the Year Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Energy and the Center for Resource Solutions. With this year’s award, Kohl’s is the first retailer to be named a Green Power Partner of the Year for three consecutive years, the company reported.

BUENOS AIRES  — Ezequiel Gómez Berard, CEO of Walmart Argentina, joined the Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Industry Minister Débora Giorigi, Economy Minister (Vice President elected) Amado Boudou, Osvaldo Mosteirin, Walmart Argentina CAO; Horacio Barbeito, Walmart Argentina CMO, and Hernán Carboni, Walmart director of corporate affairs, in the office of the Argentine President to discuss Walmart's progress in Argentina.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot has announced that Office Depot stores in Plano, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; and Tallahassee, Fla. won the top three spots for retail energy efficiency gains in the 2011 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star National Building Competition. The Plano and Raleigh stores were also the only retailers in the overall top ten list, according to the company.

New York City -- Waste Management and Publix Super Markets announced the opening of the Okeechobee Organics Recycling Facility, which uses advanced aerated composting technology to process food residuals.

The eight-acre facility, located adjacent to Waste Management’s Okeechobee Landfill, utilizes a forced aeration system with computer controls to regulate airflow and air treatment to process pre-consumer food waste from Publix stores -- including produce, bakery and floral items -- with yard waste into organic compost products.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot announced that Office Depot stores in Plano, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; and Tallahassee, Fla., won the top three spots for retail energy efficiency gains in the 2011 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star National Building Competition. The Plano and Raleigh stores were also the only retailers in the overall top 10 list.

HONOLULU — Walmart is firming its commitment to Asia Pacific economies, the company announced at the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 11 to 14. 

New York City -- Tiffany & Co. on Monday launched its first annual web-based Corporate Responsibility Report.

The website (tiffany.com/sustainability) details the jeweler’s 2010 sustainability performance, and provides insight into its standards and operations regarding the sourcing of precious materials, as well as includes information on eco-friendly packaging and catalogs.
 

BENTON HARBOR — Whirlpool Corp. is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a number of local events and recognition of employees throughout the world.