Kroger Cuts Carbon Footprint by 2 Percent

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September 13, 2012

The Kroger Co. reduced its carbon footprint by 2 percent in 2011 compared to 2010 levels, and continues to meet many of its sustainability benchmarks, according to its sixth annual report.

With its energy management initiatives, the grocer has saved more than 2.34 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, which equals 1.47 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

In terms of waste management, 19 of Kroger’s 39 manufacturing plants sent zero waste to landfills in 2011.

"Kroger associates embrace sustainability in their everyday business practices,” said David B. Dillon, Kroger’s chairman and chief executive officer. “In 2011, our stores saved enough energy to power every single-family home in Columbus, Ohio for a single year. We’re proud to have donated the equivalent of 160 million meals to local food banks through our partnership with Feeding America, placing us among the top-tier donors. We continue our commitment to help make the world a better place in a variety of ways.”

Today, one of Kroger’s new stores will consume 30 percent less energy than a store built in 2000. Kroger has reduced energy consumption thanks to increased use of LED lighting, motion sensors, skylights and control systems that monitor lighting, heating and cooling and refrigeration.

Kroger also increased fleet efficiency by 9.75 percent in the past year, and by 25.5 since 2008.

Other waste reduction accomplishments in 2011 include the design and construction of a unique resource recovery system at the company’s Ralphs/Food 4 Less Division. The resource recovery system is expected to convert 55,000 tons of unsold organics annually into renewable energy.

Kroger stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers recycled more than 1.1 billion pounds of corrugated cardboard and paper. And improved bagging techniques and increased use of reusable bags have prevented approximately 1 billion plastic bags from being used since 2008. In 2011, Kroger sold and provided customers with more than 5.3 million reusable bags, an average of 14,200 per day.

Kroger operates 2,425 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 789 convenience stores, 337 fine jewelry stores, 1,109 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food-processing plants in the U.S.

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