Student to Audit ShopRites’ Energy Usage

KEASBEY, N.J. — Wakefern Food Corp., a cooperative wholesaler here, announced it will participate in the Environmental Defense Fund’s Climate Corps program this summer, inviting a graduate student to work on energy-efficiency plans at 25 ShopRite stores.

EDF Climate Corps fellows — specially trained MBA and MPA students — spend 10 to 12 weeks during the summer in organizations like Wakefern developing customized energy-efficiency plans to cut costs and carbon emissions.

EDF Climate Corps fellow Scott Brechmacher, from Indiana University, Bloomington, was chosen to work with Wakefern’s engineering and environmental team. He will be responsible for auditing 25 ShopRite stores and creating a report with cost-effective energy management strategies. ShopRites included in this audit are located throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

During the 10-week program, Brechmacher will analyze energy use; model the financial gains from energy efficiency upgrades; facilitate collaboration among multiple energy efficiency stakeholders; identify organizational barriers; and map out a clear strategy for energy investments.

“Wakefern has a long history of innovation in its sustainability planning and we continue to look for new ways to 'green' our business practices,” said Joe Sheridan, president and chief operating officer, Wakefern, in a statement. “Participating with EDF in this innovative venture extends our commitment not only to the protection of our environment, but also to the health and well-being of our associates and customers.” 

This year, 98 fellows will work with 88 organizations to identify energy efficiency opportunities, up from seven fellows In 2008 when the program started. To date, companies report that projects representing 86% of the energy savings identified by EDF Climate Corps fellows are complete or under way.