Kroger Named Energy Star Partner of the Year
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized The Kroger Co. with a 2015 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Energy Management Award for the grocer's efforts to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings and facilities.
Kroger's accomplishments will be recognized in Washington, D.C., on April 20. "Our energy management practices, coupled with our Energy Star participation, have produced very positive results, both for the environment and our business," said Keith Oliver, Kroger's VP of engineering. "Kroger is honored to win this award and continues to implement measures that reduce our energy use."
An Energy Star partner since 2010, Kroger is being honored for its work to integrate and promote Energy Star tools and resources within its energy management program to help lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Key accomplishments of Kroger's award-winning energy management program include the extensive use of LED lighting in refrigerated cases, implementation of best practices for refrigeration, lighting and HVAC, and enhanced associate and customer awareness. Through the Energy Star certification process, Kroger certified 166 stores in 2014 alone, earning "Elite" status as part of Energy Star's 2014 "Certification Nation" competition. Since 2000, Kroger has reduced its average grocery store electricity usage by 35 percent.
"Kroger is a leading example of how businesses and organizations are incorporating Energy Star into their sustainability programs," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Kroger's role in energy management is helping reduce our nation's greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change and preserve a healthy planet for future generations."
Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,625 supermarkets and multi-department 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.