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UNFI sets emissions targets to help curtail global warming

Science-based plan reflects ‘higher level of ambition’ to address climate change, exec says

Russell Redman

December 4, 2020

2 Min Read
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UNFI said it aims to align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement to limit the global temperature rise and help defuse the worst effects of climate change.UNFI

United Natural Foods Inc., the nation’s largest public grocery distributor, has established science-based emissions reduction goals for its operations and supply chain to help lessen the impact of worldwide climate change.

UNFI said this week that it aims to align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and cap warming at 1.5°C to defuse the worst effects of climate change. The Providence, R.I.-based company said it’s the first North American wholesale grocery distributor to commit to such a target. 

“This announcement signals a higher level of ambition for UNFI as we work to reduce our contributions to climate change, embrace innovation, and promote environmental justice in communities across North America,” Alisha Real, director of sustainability and social impact at UNFI, said in a statement. “Climate science clearly states that we cannot continue on a path of business as usual. Collective action is essential, and we look forward to engaging our value chain in these important efforts.” 

Plans call for UNFI’s emissions reduction goals to be submitted within the next year for approval by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an international effort to steer the private-sector companies toward a net-zero economy. UNFI said its targets are a linchpin of its upcoming 2030 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda, which includes commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience through operational excellence and investments in clean energy. 

Related:UNFI reaches labor accords with Teamsters in New York, California

Earlier this year, UNFI joined the Climate Collaborative, a project by natural food industry stakeholders to help reverse climate change. And in California, UNFI is piloting its first all-electric solar powered refrigerated trailer to explore technologies to lower the climate impact of its truck fleet.

“Our commitment to setting science-based emissions reduction targets demonstrates our continued focus on reducing our environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainability in our operations and across our value chain,” according to UNFI Chairman and CEO Steven Spinner. “We are proud to be the first North American wholesale grocery distributor to align with SBTi. We take seriously the need for business accountability in solving this global challenge to ensure a healthy planet for future generations, while providing financial returns to our shareholders.” 

Overall, UNFI’s operates 59 distribution centers and warehouses offering more than 250,000 national, regional and private brand products to natural product superstores, independent retailers, traditional supermarket chains, e-commerce retailers and foodservice operators. 

Related:Key Food cooperative taps UNFI as primary grocery distributor

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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