Kroger Certifies 500th ENERGY STAR Store

The Kroger Co. announced that its Fry's Marketplace located on West Bell Road and I-17 in Phoenix is the Kroger family of store's 500th location to earn the ENERGY STAR designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. "Kroger is a shining example that improving the energy efficiency of our nation's buildings is not only good for business, it's critical to protecting the climate," said Jean Lupinacci, Chief of EPA's ENERGY STAR Commercial and Industrial Branch. "By addressing energy efficiency from design through operation, Kroger is leading the way for others and demonstrating that a lifecycle approach is the most effective way to ensure lasting energy savings." Commercial buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR label rate in the top 25 percent of facilities in the nation for energy efficiency and performance. "This accomplishment is very exciting for our company and our associates, because it demonstrates our commitment to energy reduction," said Keith Oliver, Kroger's vice president of facility engineering.  "Energy management remains a vital part of our sustainability work, and we are proud to partner with ENERGY STAR to improve today to protect tomorrow." Kroger utilizes a variety of practices to increase energy efficiency, employing technology such as LED lights, skylights, and control systems - as well as engaging store associates in energy savings initiatives.  The company has reduced its average grocery store electricity usage by over 34.3 percent since the year 2000, saving enough electricity to power every single-family home in Charlotte, NC for one year, say company officials.