EPA Recognizes ALDI for Commitment to Sustainable Refrigeration

by Katie Lee

Batavia, Ill. — ALDI has received the 2016-2017 “Best of the Best” award from the Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Partnership for its use of cutting-edge, environmentally sustainable refrigeration systems in 34 of its stores.

As part of its capital investment of $5 billion in new and remodeled stores over the next 5 years, ALDI is increasing its environmentally friendly features in stores. New and remodeled stores feature environmentally friendly building materials and energy-saving LED lighting. ALDI is committed to continuing to reduce its refrigerant emissions and received its first GreenChill certification in 2015.

“ALDI is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact not only because our customers expect it, but because it is the right thing to do as a business. Partnerships like the one we share with GreenChill are critically important, as they enable us to work toward our goal of sustainable business operations,” says Aaron Sumida, vice president, ALDI. “In switching to more environmentally friendly coolants, we strive to minimize the environmental impact of our refrigeration systems. This recognition from the GreenChill Partnership is a testament to our commitment.”

While the recognition typically goes to just one store, this year’s award from GreenChill acknowledges a record 34 platinum-certified ALDI stores. Platinum certification is the highest level awarded by GreenChill, and it requires each store to meet very stringent criteria.

“ALDI deserves recognition for embracing GreenChill’s environmental protection goals through its platinum-level certification of so many stores,” says Tom Land, manager of EPA’s GreenChill program. “ALDI is showing industry leadership through active participation in the GreenChill partnership and through certification of innovative refrigeration systems.”

The partnership with GreenChill is just one way that ALDI is working to reduce its impact on the environment. In 2016, ALDI increased the number of stores with rooftop solar panels by more than 45% and will continue to grow its solar portfolio and use of green electricity. Additionally, ALDI has recycled nearly 100% of the cardboard, paper, plastic film and foil that it uses in its warehouses since 2012. Moreover, its new warehouses are constructed with sunshades and special glass to insulate and reduce heat from the sun.

GreenChill works with food retailers to reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease their impact on the ozone layer and climate change. The “Best of the Best” achievement recognizes GreenChill-certified stores demonstrating innovation in advanced refrigeration technology.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry since 1976, ALDI operates nearly 1,700 U.S. stores in 35 states. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.

EPA’s GreenChill Partnership works with supermarkets to reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease their impact on the ozone layer and climate change. The Partnership provides information and assistance to help supermarkets transition to environmentally friendlier refrigerants; reduce harmful refrigerant emissions; and adopt green refrigeration technologies, strategies and practices. For more information on EPA’s GreenChill Partnership, including its store certification program, please visit www2.epa.gov/greenchill.

SOURCE: ALDI Inc.

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