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Emerging Energy Technologies

by Katie Lee

— By James Walton — Emerging trends & technologies in energy management that retail and restaurant businesses need to know about. Energy management is critical to any multi-site business. Rising energy costs and inefficiency directly affect the bottom line and sustainability goals. Businesses should constantly be looking for ways to improve their energy management practices. In recent years, significant technological advancements have revolutionized how energy is managed and consumed. These emerging energy management technologies deliver more efficiency and offer greater control and visibility into a business’s energy usage. Let us …

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construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsHVAC/RIndustry Voicesretailersvendors

Navigating a Changing Climate

by Katie Lee

— By Kyle Klahre — The world of refrigeration is rapidly changing — here’s what grocers need to know. Refrigeration systems in the U.S. are rapidly evolving due to new government regulations affecting residential, commercial and industrial systems. To understand current changes, it’s helpful to look back at the history of refrigerant regulation. This regulatory journey can be traced back to the middle of the 1980s. The Baby Boomer and Generation X readers likely remember hearing NASA discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Well, the cause of …

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green building/LEEDgreen newsNewsretailerswaste management/recycling

REI Co-op Becomes First National Retailer to Achieve Zero Waste

by Katie Lee

Seattle — REI Co-op has released its 2024 Impact Report and financial results, closing the year with $3.53 billion in net sales, investing over $282 million back into the co-op community and ending the year in a cash flow neutral position. Also in 2024, REI became the first major U.S. retailer to achieve the industry definition of zero waste, diverting 90% of waste from landfills across its operations. “It was an enterprise effort to achieve this zero-waste milestone for the co-op,” says Andrew Dempsey, director of climate, REI Co-op. “But …

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green newsIndustry Voiceskitchen equipmentkitchen exhaust/grease controlrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendorswaste management/recycling

Clear Standards

by Katie Lee

— By Alex Lundy — When fryers are at the heart of a kitchen, complete oil management protects profits. For restaurants where fried chicken, french fries, and other deep-fried dishes dominate the menu, fryer oil is not just an ingredient — it’s a cornerstone of the business. As one of the most significant recurring expenses, its management can directly impact both costs and customer satisfaction. Despite inflation’s squeeze on operating budgets, cutting corners on fryer oil is a risky gamble. The freshness and quality of the oil are fundamental to …

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green newskitchen exhaust/grease controlNewsrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendorswaste management/recycling

Restaurant Technologies Surpasses Sustainability Goals

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Restaurant Technologies recycled over 363 million pounds of used cooking oil in 2024, exceeding its own record of 314 million pounds set in 2023 by over 15%.  Restaurant Technologies partners with renewable energy partners, such as Chevron Renewable Energy Group and Phillips 66, to convert used cooking oil (UCO) into renewable diesel or biodiesel for vehicles to use on the road. At Sheetz, a regional convenience store located in seven states, Restaurant Technologies and Sheetz have created a closed loop economy where fresh oil is delivered, used, then …

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construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsrestaurantswaste management/recycling

Starbucks Verifies Over 9,000 Stores for Sustainable Practices

by Katie Lee

Seattle — As of the end of 2024, Starbucks had verified more than 9,000 stores for meeting robust standards, as verified by an outside auditor, across eight environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship and waste diversion. These measures — taking steps toward a more sustainable build, design and operations — are planned to be implemented across 10,000 stores in 2025. Of the 9,000 stores, Starbucks is celebrating five stores for excelling in innovation, environmental impact, community connection, inspiration, and customer and partner experience. These stores reflect Starbucks …

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Petco Partners with TerraCycle to Launch First-Ever National Trade-In and Recycling Event

by Katie Lee

San Diego — In mid-March, Petco launched its first-ever national trade-in and recycling event in partnership with TerraCycle, an international leader in sustainability solutions, including giving hard-to-recycle materials a new life. In honor of Global Recycling Day on March 18 and just in time for annual spring cleaning, Petco is helping pet parents recycle their dogs’ old collars, leashes and harnesses for an upgrade and a safer, more comfortable fit. For a limited time, pet parents can bring old dog collars, leashes or harnesses into Petco locations nationwide for responsible …

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construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsrestaurants

Largest Solar-Powered Starbucks in the U.S. Now Open

by Katie Lee

Gilbert, Ariz. — Mercy Center, a highly anticipated 11-acre mixed-use development in Gilbert, Ariz., is now open. Developed and leased by Diversified Partners, the new community hub includes Arizona’s largest Starbucks — and the largest solar-powered Starbucks in the country. The two-story design redefines eco-conscious, customer-centric retail. This first-of-its-kind Starbucks location features a rooftop solar array supplying 80% to 100% of the store’s energy needs. Excess power is fed back into the grid to support nearby homes. Designed for efficiency and accessibility, the flagship Starbucks includes a 23-car drive-thru, designated …

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green newsNewspeoplevendorswaste management/recycling

Divert, Inc. Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

West Concord, Mass. — Divert, Inc., a circular economy company on a mission to prevent food from being wasted, has appointed Brad Lukow to its executive leadership team as chief financial officer. Lukow brings more than 30 years of finance and capital markets experience, with the majority of his career focused on the consumer retail sector. David Eichinger, Divert’s CFO since 2022, will step away from the company to pursue other opportunities outside the business. “Brad’s proven leadership in finance, particularly in the retail industry, makes him an ideal fit …

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green newsIndustry Contentkitchen exhaust/grease controlrestaurantsVendor Spotlightvendorswaste management/recycling

Rubicon: Signature Vendor Spotlight

by Katie Lee

— Interview With Chandra Balter — R&R: Where are you based and how long has the company been in business? Chandra Balter: Rubicon is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and I’m personally based in Toms River, New Jersey. The company has been in business for 16 years. R&R: What is your name and title, and how long have you been with the company? Balter: I’m Chandra Balter, strategic account executive, and I have been with Rubicon for over 11 years. For most of that time, I served as a key account …

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