Sustainability

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is calling on its associates and customers to take simple steps toward a better life.

The company has launched the "Heart of Safeway Pledge" as a personal call-to-action to take simple, everyday steps – such as using energy-conserving light bulbs, taking a 15-minute walk three times a week or eating healthier foods – that benefit pledge-takers and their communities.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Grocer Safeway Inc. said Tuesday it has extended its corporate social responsibility commitment with the introduction of a new program it calls Heart of Safeway Pledge, which encourages consumers and communities to be more conservative and socially responsible.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Ikea said Monday that it plans to sell only energy-efficient LED lighting by 2016. The move comes two years after the Swedish retailer phased out incandescent bulbs.

Ikea said it believes the shift to the longer-lasting bulbs will help set an environmentally friendly example in the industry. It also will help save the company about $10 million to $20 million a year, or 10%, in lighting costs at its 300 stores around the globe, said Steve Howard, the company's chief sustainability officer.

Sears has equipped 27 of its Home Services division vehicles with engines that run on propane gas as part of a broader energy management effort.

The efficiency initiative involving 27 Roush CleanTech Ford E-250 cargo vans fueled by propane autogas will be deployed in the Sears Home Services Seattle fleet.

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Ikea announced it is submitting plans to the city of Merriam, Kansas, for a Kansas City-area store that would increase the Swedish retailer’s presence in the Midwestern United States.  

Seattle -- Sears Holdings Corp. strengthened its environmental commitment with the rollout of 27 new Roush CleanTech Ford E-250 cargo vans fueled by propane autogas, to be deployed in the Sears Home Services fleet in Seattle for in-home service and repair visits.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The company behind Soap.com has debuted an online shopping destination for natural, organic and sustainable products.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Inland American Real Estate Trust has announced the appointment of Thomas P. McGuinness as president. McGuinness joined Inland in 1982 and has held several executive positions throughout the Inland organization.  

In his new role, he will oversee the management of the company’s day-to-day operations, including the strategic business plan, investment decisions, asset management and financing functions for the national portfolio of 48 million sq. ft.