Sustainability

New York City -- Smith’s Food & Drug Stores, a division of Kroger Co., has been recognized by the Utah Association of Energy Users as a leader in conservation and energy-use efficiency, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

The chain, which received the “Outstanding Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Conservation” award on Wednesday at the 26th Annual Western States Energy Conference in Salt Lake City, was recognized for retrofitting its 132 stores in seven states with more efficient energy systems.

New York City -- Safeway’s store in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C, has earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The 71,067-sq.ft. store is the grocer’s second LEED-certified store, and the first LEED certified store in DC.

NEW YORK — Safeway’s store in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C., has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The 71,067-sq.-ft. store is the grocer’s second LEED-certified store, and the first LEED certified store in D.C.

Salisbury, N.C. -- Food Lion has opened its third LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified store, in Hope Mills, N.C.

“By building our third LEED grocery store, we will reduce energy costs by more than 20% compared to a typical supermarket, as well as conserve 40% more water than other Food Lion stores,” said Kyle Mitchell, VP of store development for Delhaize America South. “Food Lion has one of the most advanced retail energy conservation programs in the country.”

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us is installing the largest rooftop solar power installation in North America at its distribution center in Flanders, N.J. Staging for the system is currently underway and construction will conclude this summer. Upon completion, the 5.38 megawatt on-site solar array will occupy 869,294 sq. ft. It is estimated to generate 72% of the electrical needs for the Toys"R"Us facility, which is the largest of the chain’s 10 DCs and covers over 1.5 million sq. ft., in addition to the roof, which spans 32 acres.

Tejon, Calif. -- Ikea on Wednesday flipped the switch on a newly constructed solar energy system at its southwestern U.S. distribution center in Tejon, Calif. The 370,000-sq.-ft. solar array consists of a 1.8 MW system designed and installed by California-based REC Solar, and built with 7,980 REC Group panels.

Wayne, N.J. – Toys "R" Us is installing the largest rooftop solar power installation in North America at its distribution center in Flanders, N.J. Staging for the system is currently underway and construction will conclude this summer. Upon completion, the 5.38 megawatt on-site solar array will occupy 869,294 sq. ft. It is estimated to generate 72% of the electrical needs for the Toys "R" Us facility, which is the largest of the chain’s 10 DCs and covers over 1.5 million sq. ft., in addition to the roof, which spans 32 acres.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market announced that all fresh beef, pork and chicken sold in its U.S. stores is now certified under the 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating system.