Commercial, GHG Emissions  -  August 26, 2021

Kroger Sets its Sights on a 30% Emissions Cut by 2030

The Kroger Co. announced Aug. 25 that it decreased its total carbon emissions by 11.6% between 2019 and 2020 and reduced its carbon intensity through investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and refrigerant emissions-reduction measures.

The grocery chain released its 2021 ESG report, including a new target to reduce its cumulative emissions by 30% by 2030 based on its 2018 baseline. The company also plans to set a Scope 3 emissions target in the future.

Kroger also saw a decline in normalized emissions per 1,000 square feet from 25.8 to 22.59 in 2020.

These energy achievements were reached through a combination of efficiency projects and renewable energy installations. At this point, 13 Kroger manufacturing plants have installed energy management systems to monitor real-time data and identify energy-reduction opportunities. It also implemented operational upgrades to improve efficiency like using glass doors on open refrigerated cases, saving an average of 225,000 kWh of electricity annually, and upgrading frozen food cases to LED lighting, which can save 22,000 kWh of electricity per case annually.

Kroger also saw solar arrays installed at 15 facilities and operates two facilities equipped with anaerobic digestion technology. Between 2015 and 2021, the company replaced more than 500 tractors and refrigerated trailers with fuel-efficient models and improved the average miles per gallon of its fleet by 18%.

These initiatives have allowed Kroger to accumulate avoided electricity of more than 50% compared to its baseline consumption in 2000.

"Our strategic approach to ESG priorities is rooted in creating business value and uplifting our associates, customers, and communities," Keith Dailey, Kroger's group vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer, said in a statement. "We are acutely focused on how we will further advance our purpose to feed the human spirit as a leading retailer, employer, and community partner."

Read These Related Articles:

• Kroger Expands EV Charging Access Across 10 States
• Kroger's 2021 ESG Report
• Kroger surpasses 2020 electricity savings goal

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