Weis Markets Grows Sustainability Efforts

In honor of Earth Day, Weis Markets celebrates its sustainability achievements that have helped lessen its impact on the environment. Since 2008, Weis has been incorporating energy-saving measures designed to lower energy consumption, fossil fuel dependence and carbon emissions. As a result, the company has decreased its carbon emissions every year for a total of 14.4 percent over the six-year period, while expanding its store operations by more than 10 percent in square footage.   “We have a corporate commitment to being good stewards of the environment and these results indicate we are achieving our goal to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change,” said R. Kevin Small, vice president, store development at Weis Markets. 2013 was a record year for the company’s recycling program. Weis Markets recycled more than 53 million pounds of waste, including 2,500 tons of food waste through its closed-loop composting program, 21,000 tons of recycled cardboard, 703 tons of recycled plastic film and 52 tons of recycled pharmacy bottles.  “Our sustainability achievements would not be possible without the enthusiasm and dedicated efforts of our associates,” said Patti Olenick, sustainability manager for Weis Markets. “From our corporate headquarters, to the distribution center, to all of our stores, everyone has embraced sustainability and is committed to making our operations more efficient and to integrating ‘green’ ideals into our company’s DNA.” Weis Markets also received national recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) GreenChill program, a program that encourages reduced refrigerant usage to help lower the overall environmental impact on the ozone layer and climate change.  Weis Markets currently has 10 stores certified in the GreenChill Program and continues to incorporate advanced refrigeration systems in all new stores and remodels. In 2013, Weis Markets was presented with the EPA’s GreenChill Environmental Achievement Awards for Distinguished Supermarket Partner and Superior Goal Achievement. “Weis Markets can be very proud of this accomplishment,” said Tom Land, manager of EPA’s GreenChill Partnership. “People want to do business with stores that share their environmental values. By dedicating itself to GreenChill standards, Weis Markets demonstrates to its customers and communities an interest in saving our Earth’s ozone layer and fighting climate change.”