The first award winner, Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc., has taken important steps toward chain-wide [image-nocss] environmentalism. Its new state-of-the-art, green Commissary and Combined Distribution Center in Bohemia, N.Y., on Long Island, prepares and delivers fresh foods to 674 7-Eleven stores in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The commissary and CDC was designed to lower energy consumption, water use and utility costs. The company also recently opened its first Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)-certified convenience-store in DeLand, Fla.
There to accept the award on behalf of 7-Eleven was Darren Rebelez, executive vice president and chief operating officer. In his acceptance speech, he stressed the company's dedication to new environmental measures across all aspects of the business, and to further green innovation.
The second recipient was GetGo, the c-store arm of multi-format retailer Giant Eagle Inc., Pittsburgh. In March, 2010, the chain received LEED certification for its GetGo c-store and gas station in Wexford, Pa. The store is designed with air quality sensors that constantly monitor for carbon dioxide. To improve general air quality, the facility uses adhesives, sealants, paints, carpeting and wood products that are low in volatile organic compounds. It also practices water conservation by landscaping with drought-resistant vegetation. The facility consumes 21% less energy by using increased insulation.
A representative for GetGo was unable to attend the event and accept the award; however, GetGo released the following statement: "Thank you to CSP for this wonderful recognition. Operating in a sustainable manner makes sense not just for the well being of our communities, but also for our business. We look forward to building on the work we've done to date to improve operations in our fuel and convenience stores, our supermarket locations, and throughout our supply chain."
The final recipient was Las Vegas-based Green Valley Grocery. All green innovation was taken with a keen eye trained on the business side. All design modification and equipment purchases had to have a two year or less payback. Of the chain's current 41 stores, four have been remodeled to implement new environmental ideas, and one was built from the ground up.
When the company began their green journey, a team of designers, contractors, architects, suppliers and Green Valley personnel gathered to discuss ways in which they could design a store that would first and foremost conserve energy and keep costs down. Nearly 50 environmentally friendly items were considered. In the end, 37 were implemented in the ground-up build.
There to accept the award for Green Valley was Rick Crawford, CEO of Crawford Oil Inc. and Green Valley Grocery. Crawford said that he is looking forward to a new environmentally friendly store to open some time next year, and stressed the importance of taking advantage of the cost savings energy-efficient equipment and systems can offer.
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