Giant Food Stores aims for a smaller carbon footprint

Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets are taking a green-thumb approach to lessen the environmental impact of their fuel stations.

The Carlisle, Pa.-based supermarket chains, part of Ahold Delhaize USA, said Friday they’ve partnered with sustainability specialist GreenPrint on an emissions-reduction program that will shrink the carbon footprint at their 98 fuel locations.

Starting on May 15, for each gallon of gas customers pump at Giant and Martin’s fuel stations, GreenPrint will mobilize a network of local volunteers to conduct certified, proportional carbon-offset projects, such as creating local greenscapes or planting trees. The companies said the projects neutralize carbon emissions by up to 30%. 

"We believe it is our responsibility to make a positive difference in the environment, because it is the right thing to do. And we think the GreenPrint model is innovative and, frankly, pretty cool," Manuel Haro (left), vice president of strategy for Giant and Martin’s, said in a statement.

To monitor the effectiveness of the program, GreenPrint will provide real-time audited reports with details on carbon emissions, offsets purchased and retired and project investments.

"We see this as a game-changing program where we can directly address climate change, as it is harmful to the local food system,” Haro added. “Our ultimate goal is to be part of the solution that allows us to feed and bring families together for many years to come."

Giant and GreenPrint officials will kick off the program on May 15 in an event at Giant’s store and fuel station in Enola, Pa. In a related effort, Giant/Martin’s and GreenPrint have teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 100,000 trees this year in the Mid-Atlantic region.

"Climate change is adversely impacting communities and agriculture here in the U.S. and worldwide," said Pete Davis, founder and chief executive officer of Atlanta-based GreenPrint, which works with over 42,000 corporate clients in 12 countries and cuts emissions on about 500 million gallons of fuel annually. "This is an exciting example of a recognized leader in the grocery industry investing in a program that will create a lasting impact in the environment for years to come, and we commend Giant/Martin’s on their bold commitment to do so."

Giant/Martin’s also is engaged in a variety of other green efforts and has committed to divert 90% of its waste from landfills by 2020. The supermarkets are operated by Giant Food Stores LLC, which has more than 170 locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.