Weis Markets Surpasses GHG Reduction Goal

Mid-Atlantic grocery retailer Weis Markets has surpassed its goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 percent by the year 2020.

The company achieved this milestone five years earlier than anticipated, reaching a 22.1 percent reduction in GHG emissions in 2015.

“We are very encouraged by the steady, measurable progress we are making and are excited to share this great achievement of our ever growing sustainability program,” said Weis Markets President and CEO Jonathan Weis. “Hitting this important milestone five years ahead of schedule gives us the opportunity to continue to explore new initiatives and technologies that will further reduce our impact on the environment and streamline efficiencies in our operations.”

‘Moving in the right direction’

Such efficiencies include the installation of LED lighting, various energy reducing equipment and efforts made to minimize refrigerant leaks. Weis Markets also plans to increase its recycling rate by 5 percent each year with a goal of zero waste, reduce energy usage by 2 percent each year and replace 50 percent of its tractor fleet with cleaner fuel vehicles within the next several years.

“We are certainly moving in the right direction,” Weis said. “From our local roots and longstanding relationships with local farmers to our comprehensive recycling programs that in 2015 alone diverted more than 33,000 tons of waste from landfills, we remain steadfast in our commitment to both the environment and the communities we serve.”

Founded in 1912, Sunbury, Pa.-based Weis Markets Inc. operates 162 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.