CVS highlights energy-saving measures

Woonsocket, R.I. CVS Caremark details its efforts to better manage its energy consumption and reduce its carbon emissions in the company’s just-released 2009 Corporate Social Responsibility report.

The drugstore chain emitted approximately 1.73 million metric tonnes of CO2e emissions in 2009, of which 90% is generated by electricity consumption. To reduce consumption at its stores, CVS focused on several initiatives in 2009, including installing more efficient lighting and new roofs designed to reflect heat, and integrating its first energy-management systems.

In other moves, the company evaluated renewable energy sources, built new facilities to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards and/or environmental considerations and reduced fuel consumption in its distribution networks.

Three lighting projects in the states of Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania yielded the highest savings of 2,640 MWh, 3,480 MWh and 1,850 MWh, respectively. In addition, CVS rolled out its computer-controlled energy-management system in 50 stores in Florida, and will expand the system to 250 locations in 2010.

In the area of transportation, CVS has reduced the driving speed of its private fleet to 63 miles per hour, and consolidated its deliveries, which has eliminated 6,541 routes across the network. This resulted in nearly 1.2 million fewer miles driven and a savings of 218,730 gallons of fuel. It also prevented the emissions of 2,260 tonnes of CO2.