Meijer’s emissions efforts garner EPA honor

The Environmental Protection Agency has taken notice of Meijer’s efforts to cut down on its refrigerant emissions. The agency’s GreenChill program recognized the Grand Rapids, MIch.-based retailer with a Superior Achievement Award for meeting its refrigerant leak rate goal at its supercenters over the past year. 

The award was given based on Meijer’s installation of leak detection systems, implementation of robust maintenance policies and the proactive replacement of end-of-life equipment at its stores. The Meijer location on Grand River Ave. in Detroit was singled out, earning the Best fo the Best recognition for achieving the highest estimated avoided emissions in the country among 500 GreenChill stores. 

"Refrigeration plays a vital role in ensuring foods are stored at the proper temperature before they're purchased by our customers, but it makes an impact on the environment," said Vik Srinivasan, Meijer senior vice president of properties and real estate. "Meijer is committed to lessening our carbon footprint, and this continued partnership with GreenChill helps us reach our environmentally friendly goals."

The GreenChill program — in which Meijer has been a participant since 2012 — is voluntary and gives supermarkets and other industry stakeholders information and assistance in transitioning to more environmentally friendly refrigerants, reducing the amount of refrigerants used, eliminating refrigerant leaks, implementing best practices and adopting green refrigeration technologies. Currently, there are more than 12,600 GreenChill partner stores nationwide. 

"Meijer's two GreenChill recognitions demonstrate their continued leadership in the supermarket industry," said Kirsten Cappel, GreenChill program manager. "We commend Meijer's sustained commitment to reducing refrigerant emissions across the company and in their GreenChill certified stores. Meijer's efforts are protecting the environment."