Giant Eagle, a regional grocery chain with locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana, has achieved certification for their sustainability practices through Manomet’s Grocery Stewardship Certification (GSC) program. The GSC recognizes the company’s commitment to incorporating operational sustainability best practices in stores, reducing its environmental impact and saving resources.

 

Sustainability is a key issue for the grocery industry because it is a sector with one of the greatest opportunities to reduce resource use and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change.  The grocery sector is also responsible for over 20% of food waste in the U.S., but they can significantly reduce waste through effective recycling and diversion programs for cardboard, plastic, metals, and food.  Manomet’s GSC trains store employees to apply practices in their day-to-day work which significantly prevent pollution, lower energy and water use, and reduce GHG emissions.

 

“Giant Eagle has long been dedicated to conserving natural resources through the implementation of environmentally-minded business practices and specialized training methods,” said Dan Donovan, Giant Eagle Spokesperson. “The Grocery Stewardship Certification has provided us a unique opportunity to further engage our Team Members in the company-wide investment in sustainability.”

 

As a result of its focus on sustainability, Manomet estimates that Giant Eagle annually saves:

  • Nearly 6,000 tons of waste from going to landfills;
  • More than 45 million gallons of water from being used; and
  • Approximately 260,000 tons of greenhouse gas from being released.

 

“Giant Eagle has set a strong example for other food retailers with their work on sustainability,” said Peter Cooke, program manager for the GSC. “The investment they have put into the GSC and other sustainability initiatives will help them operate more efficiently, save money and resources and ensure a better future for their employees, customers, and communities.  We are proud to have them in our program and look forward to working with them on their sustainability initiatives in coming years.”

 

Giant Eagle’s commitment to sustainability extends into all parts of its operations. In recent years, Giant Eagle has been recognized by the EPA’s GreenChill, ENERGY STAR and the Green Power Partnership programs and has received the 2014 Clean Fuels of Ohio Certificated Three-Star Green Fleets Award and Certificate of Commendation from the Ohio Senator for environmentally friendly contributions. Giant Eagle was also recognized as ‘Retailer of the Year’ in 2016 by Progressive Grocer.

 


GSC Field Manager Catrina Damrell talks operational sustainability with Giant Eagle employees