Sustainability

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Ikea announced that on Oct. 1, its U.S. stores will give away free tree seedlings through its partnership with American Forests. Ikea has been partnering with American Forests since 1998, and through their "Plant a Tree" campaign, they have raised $1.9 million dollars to plant 1.9 million trees.

New York City -- A KFC restaurant in Indianapolis has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the state's first LEED-certified retail establishment.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens announced Friday its 100th rooftop solar power system installation, marking the drugstore retailer’s continued commitment to sustainability.

The announcement of the latest installation, in Mason, Ohio, comes on the heels of Wednesday’s report that Walgreens would complete one of the nation’s largest solar energy rollouts, contracting with SoCore Energy to complete 90 Ohio solar installations – the first 53 by Nov. 11.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool announced it has been named to the 2011/2012 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the seventh consecutive year. In 2011, the company's centennial year, Whirlpool was named to both the World and North America lists. The DJSI tracks the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Walmart is taking its commitment to renewable energy to new levels in California. The chain announced plans to install solar panels on up to 60 additional stores in the Golden State. The initiative, done in partnership with SolarCity, expands the company’s solar portfolio to more than 75% of its locations in California.

New York City -- Walmart plans to launch a dedicated page on Walmart.com that will feature an assortment of products created by women in nearly two dozen countries, including women who work in cooperatives and own small businesses. Scheduled to be available in spring 2012, products will include jewelry from Guatemala, Thailand and Ethiopia; coffee from Central and South America; and dresses from Kenya.

CHICAGO — Walgreens is looking to roll out solar installations at its Ohio-area stores, thanks to a new partnership with a Chicago-based solar developer.

The retailer said that it selected SoCore Energy to provide 90 solar installations for the Ohio-based stores. The partnership began earlier this month with the construction of 20 solar installations at Walgreens stores in Cincinnati. Walgreens and SoCore Energy said that the first 53 solar installations is slated to be completed by Nov. 11.

New York City -- Gap’s Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement program was recognized by former President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative, held in New York City. Bob Fisher, son of Gap founders Doris and Don Fisher and a Gap board member, accepted the honor on behalf of the company.