Loblaw Companies Limited has announced plans to reduce its carbon footprint 20 per cent by 2020 and 30 per cent by 2030. Currently, the company ranks among Canada’s top energy users, due to its extensive retail network and trucking fleet.
Now, Loblaw will enact an action plan focused on energy-efficient stores and distribution centres, fuel-efficient transportation, and managing refrigerants and organic waste diversion.
“At Loblaw, we recognize the growing environmental, social and business impact of greenhouse gas emissions,” says Galen G. Weston, executive chairman and president of Loblaw. “As one of Canada’s largest energy users, we are committed to being part of the solution. We will deliver carbon-reduction in line with our nation’s targets and demonstrate, along with other forward-looking Canadian companies, that these goals can be achieved without sacrificing economic growth.”
Since 2011, Loblaw has initiated a variety of carbon reduction measures. These include centralized energy management, lighting conversions, methods to control refrigerant leaks, equipment upgrades, and improvements to truck aerodynamics and fuel use.
The company plans to achieve the full 30 per cent reduction through the installation of new refrigeration systems that use carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, the calibration and optimization of energy management systems, and the reduction of waste to landfill.
By 2030, Loblaw plans to have reduced its electricity consumption by 35 per cent, transportation by 25 per cent, and refrigerants by 50 per cent. Additionally, it will improve waste diversion to 80 per cent in stores and 95 per cent in distribution centres.
In a time where environmental care is at the forefront of everyone’s consciousness, retailers must take action to reduce their carbon footprint. Consider revamping your business’s environmental initiatives to help make a difference.
