Meijer surpasses carbon emissions goal a year ahead of schedule

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer has surpassed its goal of cutting carbon emissions by 50% a full year ahead of schedule. The retailer, already known for its sustainability efforts, said Wednesday that it achieved a 57% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2023, surpassing the initial target that it had set for 2025.

“Being a good company means being a good neighbor,” Meijer president and CEO Rick Keyes said. “This achievement is a testament to our team members’ dedication to integrating sustainability into daily operations. Together, we’re not only driving positive change but also setting an example for the entire industry.”

Meijer credits its success to several key initiatives, including substantial investments in renewable energy, such as virtual power purchase agreements for solar and wind power. The company also upgraded its retail facilities with energy-efficient LED lighting and advanced building controls, while implementing innovative technologies like geothermal refrigeration. For four consecutive years, Meijer has held the lowest refrigerant emissions rate in the EPA’s GreenChill Program.

“Achieving this reduction early shows our deep commitment to environmental stewardship,” added Erik Petrovskis, Meijer’s Director of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability. “We’ll continue to build on this progress to protect our planet for future generations.”

Meijer notes that its sustainability efforts underscore its commitment to operational efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental leadership as it looks toward the future.