Energy Star Certifies 41 Michigan Kroger Stores

Underscoring The Kroger Co.'s commitment to reducing energy consumption and related costs, 41 Kroger stores in its Michigan division received Energy Star certification during 2014.

Kroger’s Ypsilanti store was the 150th store certified during the year, earning the Cincinnati-based grocer recognition as an Elite Member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification program. Kroger was the only grocery retailer granted Elite Member certification status in Energy Star, a joint program of the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy started in 1992 to help Americans save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. The Kroger Co. of Michigan currently has 77 stores with Energy Star certification.

“Proper energy management is critical to the success of our sustainability initiative and our commitment to be a good corporate citizen within the communities where we live and serve,” said Jayne Homco, president of the Novi-based Kroger Co. of Michigan. “We are very proud of our energy-related accomplishments in 2014 and look forward to continuing our efforts during the coming year.”

Employing skylights and technology such as LED lights, variable speed drives, anti-sweat controls, interval metering and waste heat reclamation, Kroger’s Michigan division helps lead the company’s energy conservation efforts. LED lighting installed in glass door cases, fresh meat cases and back room coolers and freezers uses 75 percent less energy than fluorescent lighting.  

“Our goal is to reduce Kroger’s carbon footprint while creating a very positive shopping experience for customers,” Homco said. “We will seek Energy Star certification for remodeled stores during the coming year and will pilot a program to test medium temperature glass doors in the dairy and meat departments. We will also continue to focus on reducing water usage.”

Kroger's Michigan division conservation efforts are part of a corporate-wide commitment to reduce energy consumption based on customer requests for environmentally friendly stores. On a national level, Kroger has reduced energy consumption in its stores by 35 percent since 2000.

By 2013, the Energy Star program helped Americans cumulatively prevent more than 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Incorporated in 1909, The Kroger Co. of Michigan includes 17,000 associates, 124 Kroger stores, 64 fuel centers, 102 pharmacies and the Michigan Dairy. Nationally, Kroger operates 2,640 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.  

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