Seattle — Accelerating the pace of electric vehicle charging, Electric Era, an end-to-end EV charging solution partner, has entered into an EV fast-charging station deployment with fellow Washington state native Costco Wholesale Corporation. The partnership sets an industry-leading pace with just 7 weeks between contract signature to station launch. As EV charging rapidly becomes an essential business objective for retailers, Costco faced a critical challenge: while industry-standard EV infrastructure projects typically take years, the retailer needed a rapid deployment solution for its new Ridgefield, Wash., store that could meet local …
energy management
Asbury Park, N.J. — Solar Landscape, a leading commercial and community solar developer, has teamed up with Walmart, which plans to invest in 74 Solar Landscape community solar projects in Maryland and Illinois as part of a 3 million-square-foot clean energy portfolio. The commercial rooftop projects are currently under construction and expected to energize in 2024 and 2025. They will create nearly 43 megawatts (DC) of solar capacity for the surrounding communities — enough power to serve the equivalent of over 3,600 homes. Approximately half of the portfolio is designed …
Louisville, Ky. — On Oct. 8, Yum! Brands, Inc. released its annual Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report, detailing its advancements in reducing carbon emissions, improving packaging and more. The company has a longstanding dedication to responsible business practices, investing strategically in its three priority pillars of People, Food and Planet. “In 2023, we experienced a year of remarkable growth and remained focused on greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable packaging and having a positive community impact,” says David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands. “Our ‘Good Growth’ strategy has propelled our sales and …
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer has surpassed its industry-leading 2025 sustainability goal of cutting carbon emissions by 50% — one year ahead of schedule. The retailer set a target to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2018 levels. The target has not only been met but surpassed, achieving a 57% reduction in 2023. The retailer credits its clear plan, senior leader involvement and the dedication of its team members. “At Meijer, we understand that to be a good company, we must be a …
Batavia, Ill. — ALDI SOUTH Group has a goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain by 2050, making it one of the first international grocery retailers with net-zero emissions targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies to play their part in combating the climate crisis and set GHG emissions reduction targets in line with what is needed to mitigate global warming. As a part of ALDI SOUTH Group and one of America’s …
— By Samuel Hammers — Why it’s important for retailers and restaurants to strengthen their power management. Summer is the season for relaxation, but it can be a stressful time for retailers and restaurant owners looking to keep the lights on. Electrical disruptions, which tend to be more common during the summer, have potential to bring down critical systems such as HVACs and push customers to seek out greener (or cooler) pastures. A power surge could also take down POS systems and leave a facility unable to process transactions. Power …
Richardson, Texas — ENTOUCH, a leader in energy management and smart building technology, has expanded its demand response program in partnership with 24 Hour Fitness, the 40-year leader in health and fitness. This milestone highlights the effectiveness of ENTOUCH’s cutting-edge solutions in reducing energy usage, driving profitability and supporting sustainability initiatives for multisite operators. In 2023, 24 Hour Fitness implemented ENTOUCH’s demand response program across an initial 100 locations in California and Texas. The initiative proved highly successful, saving 35 MW of energy and significantly contributing to the reduction of …
Shelton, Conn. — Budderfly, a preferred sustainability partner for commercial businesses with repeatable footprints, has acquired a grid-edge distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) from Sunverge Energy. Former Sunverge employees with decades of DERMS and energy market experience will join Budderfly’s growing team of almost 400 employees. Using Sunverge’s technology, Budderfly can aggregate distributed energy resources (DERS) across its sites, positioning it to create virtual power plants (VPPs) capable of providing flexibility to the grid, increasing resiliency for customers and growing new revenue streams. With greater control over its energy …
San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has published its 2023 Impact Report. The annual report highlights Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s progress towards the company’s industry-leading sustainability and social impact goals. In 2023, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. focused on operational efficiencies and the adoption of innovative solutions to drive progress towards the company’s sustainability goals. The company also launched GreenRow, a new sustainability-focused home furnishings brand and strengthened commitments to worker wellbeing programs that positively impact communities around the world where Williams-Sonoma, Inc. business is conducted. “The progress we have made towards our sustainability goals reflects …
Sustainable Retail
— By Andy Anderson — The business case for prioritizing environmental responsibility. While the retail industry plays an indispensable role in our society, bringing valuable — and often essential — products and services to consumers, and serving as a major source of employment and economic growth, it also takes a significant toll on the environment. In fact, the industry accounts for roughly 25% of global emissions, with much of these emissions occurring in the retail value chain. From the energy-intensive demands of brick-and-mortar stores to the packaging and transportation waste …