Hannaford Garners Energy Efficiency Honor
Hannaford Supermarkets has been selected as a 2016 Northeast Business Leader for Energy Efficiency by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) as a result of its efforts to foster the economy and protect the environment.
Nominated by Vermont’s energy efficiency utility, Efficiency Vermont, Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford was among six organizations – and the only retailer – to be named a 2016 Business Leader.
Hannaford’s energy efficiency efforts in Vermont have resulted in annual energy savings of more than 3.2 million kilowatt-hours, and annual cost savings of $400,000. Hannaford has completed a total of 36 energy efficiency projects in the state since 2012, including the installation of energy-efficient lighting and lighting controls, nighttime covers for refrigerated cases, doors to enclose open refrigerated cases, LED lighting, and occupancy sensors, as well as the addition of heat-recovery equipment to the refrigeration system to heat stores, efficient deli-wrap units, and efficient evaporator motors on refrigeration systems. The grocer has worked closely with Efficiency Vermont on upgrades to all of 17 of its stores in the state.
“Working to make Hannaford stores in Vermont more energy efficient is an important part of our company’s overall commitment to sustainability,” said Ben Theriault, Hannaford’s director of operations for Vermont. “We see these improvements, completed in partnership with Efficiency Vermont, as more than investments in the future of our business. These projects are investments in the environment and in keeping Vermont a wonderful place to live and work.”
“Hannaford Supermarkets has been hugely successful in their commitment to reduce energy consumption in their Vermont stores,” noted Cathy Reynolds, senior account manager at Burlington-based Efficiency Vermont. “Not only have their efforts led to dramatic cost savings, they have also improved the look and feel of each store, creating a more enjoyable experience for their customers.”
“Hannaford Supermarkets provides an excellent example of how energy efficient measures can improve a company’s bottom line, contribute to economic growth and reduce environmental impact,” added Sue Coakley, executive director of Lexington, Mass.-based NEEP.
This year's Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency honorees will be recognized during the NEEP Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, N.H., June 13-14.