Sustainability

Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us has implemented a number of sustainable initiatives that conserve energy, minimize waste, and reduce its stores’ overall impact on the environment while diminishing the company’s carbon footprint.

The chain said that its new and renovated “R”Us locations include a combination of the following sustainable features:

Picture this setting. The neatly manicured grounds of the spectacular Broadmoor resort are underfoot, the Rocky Mountains are in the background, and the sky above Colorado Springs is a crisp blue. Hundreds of dark-suited senior executives are milling about an early evening reception, sipping wine as white-gloved waiters offer curious looking hors d'oeuvres.

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS/pharmacy’s distribution center in Chemung County, N.Y., has been awarded LEED Gold certification from the United States Building Council. It it the chain’s first LEED-certified distribution center.

Phoenix -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market said Thursday it has turned on 11 rooftop solar installations in Phoenix and Los Angeles. The panels, installed by REC Solar, will provide 536 kW of power and supply 20% of each store’s energy needs.

Boynton Beach, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers announced the addition of Publix Super Market as the new anchor of Boynton Lakes Plaza, a 117,000-sq.-ft. neighborhood center in Boynton Beach, Fla. 

Publix is relocating from an undersized 39,000-sq.-ft. store in a nearby center to open a new prototype of 45,600 sq. ft. in late summer 2012.   

The store will occupy a former Winn-Dixie site that was closed along with 29 other locations in July 2010.
 

San Diego -- Ikea said Tuesday that it has officially powered up its solar energy installation at its 198,000-sq.-ft. store in San Diego.

The 30,000-sq.-ft. array consists of a 252-kW system, built with approximately 1,120 panels.  It will produce approximately 366,400 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 290 tons of carbon dioxide, eliminating the emissions of 50 cars or powering 32 homes yearly.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. announced that it has released its fifth social and environmental responsibility report, a comprehensive update on its supply chain operations, environmental programs and community investment efforts from 2009 to 2010.