84 Sprouts Stores Awarded for Sustainability Efforts

Manomet, a nonprofit organization, has awarded 84 Sprouts Farmets Market stores with its Grocery Stewardship Certification (GSC) in recognition of their commitment to reducing their stores’ environmental impact and use of resources. Through their operational best practices, the stores combined are saving more than $6 million annually on energy costs.

The certification is the latest sustainability milestone for Sprouts, which touts its dedication to social responsibility and protecting the environment. The retailer recently donated $25,000 to Real School Gardens in support of the organization’s expansion and new learning garden in Charlotte, N.C., and its Food Rescue Program reached a 55% food waste diversion rate in 2017. 

“Sustainability is at the very core of the Sprouts culture and is embedded in everything we do,” said Carlos Rojas, VP of legal, risk and sustainability for the Phoenix-based retailer, in a statement. “It makes business sense, but more importantly, it’s the right thing to do.”

Manomet’s GSC provides participating independent grocers and grocery chains with data about costs saved through operational sustainability efforts, revenue-generating sustainability opportunities, employee engagement strategies, and metrics on waste, water, energy and other conservation initiatives. As a result of their sustainable operating practices, the 84 Sprouts stores are annually saving:

Related:Sprouts Named 2018 Grocery Business of the Year

“Sprouts Farmers Market is showing every day that running a sustainability-focused company goes hand-in-hand with profits and growth,” Peter Cooke, program manager of Manomet’s grocery program, said in a statement. “Sprouts is going above and beyond in their mission to become more sustainable. We are pleased to recognize Sprouts Farmers Market for their environmental leadership and look forward to working with them as they continue their journey and expand into new markets.”

Since launching in 2012, the GSC has enrolled more than 800 grocery stores in the U.S. and Canada. The GSC works with grocers to engage employees on operational sustainability strategies and to review store-level practices and equipment with an eye on increasing energy efficiency, boosting revenue and lowering costs.