KeHE to add renewable natural gas-powered trucks to fleet

This year, KeHE Distributors plans to add low-carbon emission trucks fueled with renewable natural gas (RNG) to its California fleet via a partnership with Clean Energy Fuels Corp.

KeHE said yesterday it will swap five diesel trucks with compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks. The move is expected to yield an annual carbon reduction of 674 metric tons, the equivalent of planting 11,120 trees and recycling 235 tons of landfill waste, according to the Naperville, Ill.-based natural, organic and specialty food distributor.

A clean, low-carbon alternative fuel made from organic waste, Clean Energy's Redeem RNG has been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% versus diesel, KeHE reported. Clean Energy also has developed Zero Now, an ultra-clean fuel and engine combination designed to help achieve zero emissions in the trucking industry.

“As a certified B Corporation and stewards of the environment, KeHE firmly believes in using our business as a force for good,” Chris Sieburg, executive vice president of operations at KeHE, said in a statement. “Clean Energy’s Zero Now has enabled us to make progress towards our new carbon-reduction goals. By adding trucks fueled with clean fuel to our fleet, we’re able to sustainably deliver products in a way that aligns with our company's values. To make the kind of impact we’re striving for, progress will be evolutionary. These are great first steps.”

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Each of the five Kenworth CNG tractor trucks will travel about 90,000 miles annually, using about 15,000 gallons of renewable natural gas per truck each year. “It made sense for us to partner with Kenworth, the No. 1 driver-preferred truck in America, that has a long-standing relationship with Clean Energy,” according to Tom Harden, corporate equipment manager at KeHE.

KeHE said the carbon emission reduction produced by the migration to the Kenworth natural gas trucks will be equal to removing 143 cars from the road.

“We’re grateful for this opportunity to move the needle as part of our commitment to running a greener fleet,” commented Laura McCord, executive director of sustainability and corporate responsibility at KeHE. “All drivers have the opportunity to make an environmental impact through the types of vehicles they choose to drive every day. With 284.5 million registered vehicles on the road in the United States, we’re encouraging more companies and consumers to rethink how they get around.”

An employee-owned, B Corp-certified company, KeHE supplies natural food stores, supermarket chains, independent grocery stores and other specialty retailers across North America through its 15 distribution centers.

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“Switching to trucks fueled with RNG supports KeHE’s commitment to sustainable and responsible living, because they create a clear pathway to the carbon-free distribution of natural and organic foods,” stated Chad Lindholm, vice president at Newport Beach, Calif.-based Clean Energy. “KeHE is a prime example of a fleet taking action that immediately decreases the environmental impact of their operations.”