Grocers Can Go Green and Save Green with Support from NYSERDA

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced a new initiative to help New York grocers, supermarkets, food co-ops and convenience stores reduce their energy use and operating costs.

The Green Grocer Initiative will partner grocers with NYSERDA technical consultants to collaborate on innovative energy efficiency solutions, including upgrades to or replacement of inefficient refrigeration equipment, coolers and cases.  

A 2010 Summer Study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found that refrigeration alone accounts for 53 percent of a grocery store's electricity consumption, followed by lighting at 19 percent and heating at 17 percent.  Equipment upgrades can reduce energy use by 10 to 30 percent. 

"Reducing the energy cost burden of New York's grocery stores is good for business and the environment," said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA.  "By partnering with NYSERDA through this initiative, grocery stores can realize significant energy savings that can help improve their bottom line and New York's economy." 

NYSERDA incentives help offset the purchase and installation costs for electric and gas efficiency upgrades.  Innovative approaches to energy conservation, including renewable energy technologies and equipment to improve water conservation, also will be supported through this initiative.

Last year, NYSERDA commercial and industrial efficiency programs supported more than 2,800 projects statewide that helped reduce operating costs at businesses by $40 million. 

NYSERDA's FlexTech, Existing Facilities, and New Construction Programs form the basis of the offerings that will be promoted through the Green Grocer initiative.  Incentives through these programs help make energy efficiency projects more affordable, enhance competitiveness and cut costs for businesses in every sector of the economy.