Sylmar, California-based Vallarta Supermarkets, one of the largest Latino-owned supermarket chains, received the Hometown Hero award at the Seventh Annual Innovation Awards ceremony. The event was part of the U.S. Department of Energy Los Angeles’ Better Buildings Challenge.
Steve Netherton, CIO and VP of continuous improvement at Vallarta Supermarkets, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
“We are proud to be recognized for adopting innovative practices that allow us to reduce our energy consumption and utility expenses across locations,” said Netherton. “Vallarta not only provides fresh, quality food products to all of our communities, we’re also an industry leader in reducing our energy and water use.”
In 2020, Vallarta’s energy and water efficiency and sustainability efforts have yielded a 21 percent reduction in water use and a 0.5 percent reduction in energy use, as well as a 33 percent drop in waste going to landfills, representing some 4,800 tons.
The Innovation Awards, part of the Los Angeles Better Buildings Challenge, recognizes LA’s Best Buildings for their leadership and contributions toward citywide sustainability efforts. The Hometown Hero is awarded to a local business that has made an outsized contribution to the sustainability movement.
Founded in 1985, Vallarta Supermarkets is a full-service independent grocery chain with 52 locations throughout California.
Vallarta Supermarkets is known for having fresh produce, quality meats, exquisite pastries and specialty items from Latin America and other parts of the world. Visit vallartasupermarkets.com for additional information.
Vallarta Supermarkets has additional menu offerings in various departments in time for Lent (Feb. 17-April 3), including a variety of options for those forgoing meat during the observance. See story, here.
