Plantation, Fla. — DHL Express, the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services, recently expanded its vast network of U.S. retail locations with a new mobile pop-up store in Gaithersburg, Md. The 2,200-cubic-feet, 100% off-the-grid, mobile DHL ServicePoint offers a safe, easy-to-use shipping option for customers. Local consumer shipping needs have accelerated significantly, with many first-generation Americans shipping to their native countries in Africa. The new unit, located at 260 N. Frederick Ave. in Gaitherstowne Plaza, is the fifth location in the greater Washington, D.C., area, which also has …
green news
Los Angeles — EVgo Inc., the nation’s largest public fast-charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) and only public network powered by 100% renewable electricity, and Meijer, a Midwestern retailer, have opened the first EVgo public fast-charging station at Meijer stores. EVgo’s latest stations with Meijer are part of EVgo and the retailer’s previously announced partnership, and are capable of 100 kW to 350 kW fast-charging. EVgo and Meijer’s first sites under the partnership are in key Midwestern cities across Michigan and Ohio. The stations will add to the over 800 …
Manasquan, N.J. — As demand from the industry grows, SMG Holdings LLC has launched a new energy and sustainability solutions division: SMG Energy Solutions (SMG Energy). Led by Jason Menser, executive vice president of strategic initiatives, the vision is to integrate technology capabilities with core services and strategic alliances to meet the growing demand for “greener” solutions and newer sustainable technologies that will offer clients unique opportunities to reduce their cardon footprint while improving operational efficiencies and mitigating risk. SMG Energy is the vision of Shannon Prato, CEO of SMG …
Irving, Texas — 7 Eleven, Inc., the world’s largest convenience chain, has once again hit a major milestone: 77,711 7-Eleven® stores are now open. The company is also ramping up its sustainability initiatives. “Since the inception of convenience retailing with the first 7-Eleven store in Dallas, Texas, a lot has changed in how, when and where we do business,” says Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven’s president and chief executive officer. “As customers continue to redefine convenience, we redefine our approach to ensure that we are exceeding their expectations. Today, that means accelerating …
Midland, Mich. — In collaboration with Meijer, Dow has enabled a new paving technique using recycled plastic bags to create a more durable parking lot for the retailer’s Holland, Mich., supercenter. This recycled polymer modified asphalt (RPMA) parking lot is a three-phase pilot project that used approximately 12,500 pounds of post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR), which is the equivalent weight of 944,000 plastic grocery bags. This project brings recycled plastic bags full circle, and also represents a long term collaboration between two Michigan companies working toward a more sustainable future. “Meijer …
— By Cedar Blazek — Two major businesses effectively meet and exceed energy-efficiency goals despite COVID-19 challenges. It’s no secret that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 brought everything to a screeching halt. Nearly overnight the world was in lockdown, businesses shuttering — some temporarily, some for good — as the overarching “What do we do now?” question blanketed the economic landscape. The pandemic forced widespread shutdowns across sectors and challenged essential businesses to adapt quickly as consumer traffic changed and public health protocols tightened. …
Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has set science-based targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. The approved targets have been classified by SBTi as being in line with a long term global temperature increasing trajectory of 1.5°C. “As company with nearly 3,000 restaurants and approximately 95,000 employees, we have a responsibility to drive meaningful change,” says Laurie Schalow, chief corporate affairs & food safety officer. “We …
San Francisco — Volta Inc., an industry leader in commerce-centric electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, is partnering with Floor & Decor, a leading specialty retailer of hard-surface flooring, to make EV charging accessible to its customers at Floor & Decor’s warehouse stores across the United States. The charging stations are slated to be in place for customers at eight Floor & Decor locations by the end of 2021, with more stations nationwide in 2022. “Floor & Decor strives to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and …
Meijer Recognized by EPA for the Lowest Corporate-Wide Refrigerant Emissions Rate Nationwide
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Program for having the lowest corporate-wide refrigerant emissions rate out of all GreenChill Partners over the past year. The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based grocer has focused on reducing its refrigerant leak rate for at least 12 years and is now 18.2% below the industry average. “Refrigeration plays a vital role in ensuring foods are stored at the proper temperature before they’re purchased by our customers, but many people don’t realize it makes an impact on the environment,” …
Coppell, Texas — The Container Store, leading specialty retailer of storage and organization solutions and custom closets, has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership. The Container Store is using more than 57 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 100% of the organization’s electricity use. By choosing green power, The Container Store is helping lead the transition to a cleaner energy future. As part of The Container Store’s commitment and effort, all of its stores, distribution centers and corporate office …