Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial, Solar  -  July 12, 2024

Grainger’s Emissions Decrease by 31%

Grainger, a broad line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, announced the company lowered its global absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 31% since 2018 and achieved its previous 2030 target of a 30% reduction seven years early.

In 2023, the company updated its 2030 target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50%, which it plans to achieve through investments including solar energy, life cycle replacements, hydrogen fuel cell technology and building management systems.

Details were released in its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report.

"At Grainger, doing the right thing is critical to our ability to be good stewards for our people, our customers, our shareholders and the environment," said D.G. Macpherson, Chairman and CEO, in a statement. "Whether supporting fulfilling careers and strengthening our inclusive culture for our team members, helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals or partnering in our communities to build a better future, we take our responsibility seriously to make the things that matter better."

The company currently has seven megawatts direct current of solar panel installations at its U.S. distribution centers and is working to install solar at its branches. These solar installations have resulted in more than 8,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy produced in 2023. 

Grainger upgrades to more energy efficient equipment once something has reached the end of its useful life and conducts the upgrades via initiatives like LED retrofitting with occupancy sensors and HVAC upgrading with energy efficient equipment. 

The company leverages hydrogen fuel cell technology to power its Powered Industrial Equipment (PIE), which reduces emissions and improves operational efficiencies by eliminating the need to charge batteries. 

Grainger’s Building Management Systems (BMS) helps the company achieve its  energy efficiency goals by enabling the company to monitor a building’s energy usage in real time and adjust as necessary for maximum efficiency. Its BMS footprint was extended to all of its U.S. distribution centers and branches in 2023, resulting in 10-15% energy and cost savings upon installation. In 2023, more than 60% of Grainger's North American footprint was maintained with a BMS.