Last updated on December 2nd, 2015 at 03:08 pm
Weis Markets of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, has been recognized for incorporating sustainability practices into its day-to-day operations, which has helped conserve resources and reduce the overall environmental impact of its 163 stores, distribution center and manufacturing facilities. It is the second food retailer in the country to receive this recognition.
The Manomet Grocery Stewardship Certification (GSC) Sustainability Award is based on waste, water use, energy use and greenhouse gas emission reductions in a company’s retail locations and supply chain. The GSC program was launched in 2012 and remains the nation’s only food retailing sustainability certification program.
“A practical sustainability program has been an important focus area for our company since 2008. During this time, we’ve reduced our overall environmental footprint by 12.3 percent,” said R. Kevin Small, VP of store development. “The Grocery Stewardship Certification recognizes our progress and provides us with valuable insight about our overall performance in the sustainability arena. The GSC program also helps us engage with our associates in new ways and show our customers that we are continually adopting sustainable practices.”
In recent years, Weis Markets has partnered with the EPA’s GreenChill program; rolled out its first store with all LED lighting; and added a Green Leader role in each store to provide enhanced associate and customer awareness of the company’s sustainability commitment. It also is installing other energy efficient equipment and systems in stores and is a long-time proponent of recycling.
As a result of its sustainable operating practices, Weis Markets is annually saving more than:
• 64 million pounds of waste from going to landfills;
• 11,141,258 million gallons of water from being used; and
• 295,894 tons of greenhouse gases from being released.
“Weis Markets has gone above and beyond its mission to become more sustainable. It is impressive to see a company that conducts business with the next 100 years in mind,” said Peter Cooke, program manager of the Grocery Stewardship Certification program. “We are pleased to recognize Weis Markets for their environmental leadership and look forward to working with them as they continue their journey.”
