WESTVILLE, N.J. — Brown’s Super Stores, a family-owned business that operates 10 ShopRite stores in the Philadelphia area, announced that it recently achieved the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Rating in five of its stores, as well as its corporate office as part of a comprehensive sustainability effort.
With an Energy Star Rating, Brown’s stores uses about 35% less energy than an average store, and cost 50 cents less per square foot to operate, while still providing quality service and comfort to customers.
In its effort to reduce consumption, Brown’s has fully converted three of its 10 stores to 100% LED or induction lighting, which includes all refrigerated cases and overhead store lighting. Plans are in place to make lighting upgrades in five additional stores over the next year. These lighting upgrades will reduce electric consumption at Brown's by more than 20% in 2012.
Solar energy is also being utilized by Brown’s at their ShopRite of Parkside. The electricity generated by the 1,386 solar panels installed on the roof of the store accounts for more than 473,000 kilowatts annually — 12% of the stores energy needs.
“We are so honored to be recognized by the EPA for our commitment to the environment and the reduction of the carbon footprint of our stores,” said Jeff Brown, president of Brown’s Super Stores, in a statement. “This accomplishment sets a standard for all our stores as we continue to look for ways to offer our customers an enjoyable shopping experience while taking responsibility for our impact on the environment.”
Brown’s has also partnered with PepsiCo and Waste Management to place “Dream Machines” in each store that allow customers to earn rewards points redeemable for local discounts by recycling cans and bottle; the more bottles and cans recycled in a Dream Machine, the more support PepsiCo will provide to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV). All 10 Brown’s ShopRites have also joined the EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge, which encourages organizations to reduce, donate and recycle as much of their excess food as possible to save money, feed families in need and protect the environment.