Strategy components:

Regularly monitoring available methods, tools, technologies, and trends to identify potential improvement options.

Joining partnerships and achieving certifications to drive continuous improvement in energy use and sustainability.

Using environmental thinking and careful analysis to select energy and sustainability initiatives in order of financial feasibility and economic return.

Implementing chosen projects through solution providers and suppliers who share our environmental commitment and core values.

Sharing our efforts and results with customers, associates, and suppliers. Sharing information and benchmarking against others to learn what works best.

Recent initiatives:

Joined the EPA's ENERGY STAR (2008), Smartway Transport (2009) and Waste Wise program in 2010.

Established a team of associates (2008) focused on improving our family of companies' energy and resource use - the G.R.E.E.N! Team, for "Gaining Resource & Energy Efficiency Now!"

Energy & Sustainability Initiatives

Key energy, water, and resource conservation projects:

Energy (peak load) management program

Demand response participation (based on PJM needs)

Lighting retrofit (to T8 fluorescent lights)

Enhanced cooling water treatment

Power quality equipment

Dock shelter retrofit and dock plate seals

HVAC controls/BCU (Building Control Unit)  and software upgrade

Company-wide mixed stream recycling program

Routing improvements, modified delivery schedules, equipment enhancements, and driver education to reduce traveled mileage and improve fleet performance

Results:

1,500,000 annual kilowatt hour savings (25% reduction from peak)

6,000 metric tons annual reduction in CO2 emissions

1,600,000 gallons annual savings in water use (24% reduction from peak)

88% waste diversion rate through recycling efforts (42 million lbs. through 2009)

Elimination of over 1.2 million annual truck fleet miles from 2007-2009 (21% reduction)

Nation's first warehouse to be awarded ENERGY STAR in April of 2008