Sustainability

FOLSOM, Calif. — Fresh & Easy announced that its new store in Folsom, Calif., received the platinum-level store certification award from the Environmental Protection Agency's GreenChill Partnership.

While the platinum award puts Fresh & Easy — which joined EPA's GreenChill in 2009 — among the nation's 36,000 grocery stores, the Folsom location is the second store in California, and one of four grocery stores in the nation, to achieve these standards.

Burlington, Ontario -- Ikea Canada said that it has turned its focus to sustainability in Canada during a period of expansion in the country.

As the retailer opens three stores this year in Canada, it said it is committed to having this new wave of stores be 40% more efficient than the last store built in 2004.

The number of eco-labels in the marketplace continues to grow. According to Ecolabelindex (http://www.ecolabelindex.com/, Oct 27), 426 labels circulate in 246 countries and 25 industries. Most commentators are quick to point out the negative consequences: consumer confusion, disinterest and mistrust. However, there is a growing wave of large companies that pursue product certification to appeal to and meet compliance demands from their B2B customers, including retailers.

Nothing is ever as easy as it seems in the retail industry. Take Target’s decision to not sell denim jeans that have been distressed using the sand blasting method. That means the company or its suppliers now have to amend or implement some type of reporting infrastructure and audit protocol to ensure any distressed jeans Target sells achieved their weathered look through appropriate means. For an insightful look at the issues of eco-labels and the certification process that underpins the validity of such claims, check out this column from Deloitte Consulting executive Chris Park.

New York City -- Fashion retail Zara, an Inditex brand, on Thursday will officially open its largest U.S. store – on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan – designed with the latest advancements in sustainability.

The new store, in the Tishman Building (666 Fifth Avenue, at the intersection of 52nd Street), features a three-floor layout that reflects an innovative approach to interior design. The shop opens onto Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street with five display windows and a dramatic façade.

Cincinnati -- Kroger announced Tuesday that it has named Suzanne Lindsay as its director of sustainability.

In the newly created position, Lindsay — who previously created and led sustainability initiatives at PetSmart — will lead Kroger's internal sustainability initiatives and will lead the company's sustainability leadership team.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — In effort to further its commitment to sustainability, Safeway's brand Softly bath and facial tissue and Ultra Thirsty paper towels are now certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance. 

Safeway's paper products earned the FSC seal by being produced from fiber sourced from suppliers who have been independently certified to follow the strictest standards in sustainable, ethical forestry management and production chain controls. 

CINCINNATI — Sustainability is a core part of most retailers' strategies, but unless you have someone to lead the charge, those efforts can fall by the wayside. Kroger has taken steps to ensure its sustainable initiatives are met by hiring Suzanne Lindsay to fill the new role of director of sustainability. Lindsay will direct Kroger's internal sustainability initiatives and will lead the company's sustainability leadership team.