Staples Canada expanding use of renewable energy

Toronto - Staples Canada is expanding its Bullfrog Power partnership to support renewable energy in four additional stores. Through the partnership, Bullfrog Power injects clean, renewable electricity onto the grid to match the amount of energy the Staples facilities use.



“Renewable energy is a key priority in our corporate social responsibility strategy, complementing our sustainable product sourcing and consumer recycling programs,” said Pete Gibel, VP of merchandising at Staples Canada and chair of the Staples Canada environmental committee. “Our Staples Canada and Staples Advantage head offices as well as 10 Staples stores nationwide have been Bullfrog-powered with 100% clean, pollution-free energy since April 2013, and we’re thrilled to be expanding our commitment to clean, renewable electricity.”



Staples Canada also announced other second quarter sustainability achievements, including:



The chain also will be significantly reducing the environmental impact of its most energy-intensive copy and print jobs in a move that will reduce more than 1,800 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.



The company also released its sustainability report for second quarter 2014. Highlights include:



• Through its Lights Out program, Staples stores operate under reduced light levels during the summer months of June and July. This year, 219 stores participated resulting in a reduction of 736,130 kWh.



• The chain continues to monitor energy consumption and actively works to conserve energy across the business by reducing overall energy costs and diversifying energy sources. Staples was able to reduce emissions by 6,097 metric tons of CO² in the second quarter.



• Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (re-chargeable and alkaline) in every Staples store. The retailer has set a goal of collecting 100,000 kg of batteries in 2014. In second quarter 2014, 28,403 kg were collected, an increase of 13.6% over second quarter 2013. In first quarter 2014, 30,295 kg of batteries were collected and diverted.