In honor of Earth Day, Sunbury-based Weis Markets Friday announced its sustainability program has decreased its carbon emissions by more than 20 percent since 2008 according to its new report, Weis Sustainability 2017: Together we make a difference.
The report highlights Weis Markets’ award-winning sustainability programs, which incorporate innovative energy-saving measures designed to lower energy consumption, increase recycling activities and reduce refrigerant emissions.
While Weis Markets emissions have been reduced year over year since 2008, there was a slight emissions increase of 1.7 percent as a result of the company acquiring 44 new stores that expanded its footprint by more than 25 percent in 2016.
The company retrofitted new stores with as many sustainability features as possible as they were converted to Weis Markets locations and continues to expand its sustainability programs in all stores.
“We remain committed to serving as a strong steward of the environment, and to the continuous improvement of our sustainability program,” said Jonathan Weis, chief executive officer for Weis Markets. “We will continue to increase our sustainability efforts throughout our growing footprint, and as we find new ways to reduce our environmental impact we will further expand our role as a leader in retail sustainability and as a responsible corporate citizen in the communities we serve.”
Key sustainability achievements and accolades for Weis Markets in 2017 include:
-- Increasing paper and cardboard recycling by more than 10 percent over the previous year. The company diverted more than 40,000 tons of materials from landfills, including 28,000 tons of cardboard, 332 tons of mixed paper, 875 tons of plastic bags and 77 tons of electronics, which marked a 133 percent increase over 2016.
-- Being recognized by EPA’s GreenChill Program, which encourages reduced refrigerant usage to help lower the overall environmental impact on the ozone layer and climate change. Awards in 2017 include the 2017 Superior Goal Achievement, the 2017 Exceptional Goal Achievement, and Store Recertification Excellence.
-- Reduced the environmental impact of the company’s distribution system by expanding its fleet of energy-efficient vehicles by 50 percent.
“Expanding our sustainability efforts across the Weis Markets footprint has been a team effort,” said R. Kevin Small, vice president, store development at Weis Markets. “From our corporate leadership to our in-store associates and distribution center staff—we are encouraged by the steady progress and are proud of the dedication of our 23,000 associates. Together we are making a difference.“
Click Here for a copy of the report. Visit the Weis Markets Sustainability webpage for more information.
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