TAMPA, Fla. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Sweetbay Supermarket here with Energy Star certification for continued energy consumption reductions at its stores as well as for its corporate commitment to promoting superior energy performance.
Of the more than 1,570 grocery stores acknowledged by the EPA for earning Energy Star labels for superior energy efficiency, only 170 were awarded certification. In Sweetbay’s case, 53 of its 105 stores were granted certification.
“We are thrilled we will receive Energy Star certification for our stores and are committed to being strong corporate citizens in the communities in which we operate,” said John Turner, director of business development for Sweetbay Supermarket, in a statement.
Sweetbay began its energy savings initiatives in 2009 and, in electric costs alone, has already seen a $5 million savings. From doors on refrigerated cases to the addition of LED lighting with motion sensors, to night shades over non-door cases, this 18% reduction in energy costs equates to the equivalence of reducing carbon emissions by 32 million pounds, planting 4,427 acres of trees, powering 1,456 American homes for one year or taking 3,232 cars off the road.
Additional efforts are planned for 2012 including additional LED lighting, doors on additional medium temperature cases and also on produce cases.
