We recognize that almost all aspects of our business have an impact on the environment, and we believe that environmental responsibility is not just good for our planet – it is good for our business. We are seeking solutions that will reduce our environmental impact and allow us to leave a smaller footprint while promoting long-term sustainability. We are committed to continuing to strive to be good citizens of our planet and to help create a more sustainable tomorrow for all of us.
REDUCING ENERGY
Energy Conservation
Our efforts to reduce energy consumption throughout the Company include:
- Dublin, California office: Occupancy sensors for lighting that turn off lights when there is no movement in the room, an HVAC control system that allows for efficient management of air conditioning and heating usage, and installation of Energy Star appliances
- Houston, Texas Distribution Center: The HVAC system for the 1,589,000 sq ft facility is managed by a centralized Building Automation System (BAS) system
- New Bedford, Massachusetts, manufacturing facility: a 1.3 mega-watt solar rooftop system allows the 500,000 sq ft facility to be almost completely self-sufficient, producing its own clean energy, without emissions, and significantly reducing our energy costs
- Remote transportation or hub locations: We encourage employees to turn off lights and power down utilities to reduce usage of electricity and/or natural gas consumption
- Stores: Each of our new or fully remodeled stores receive the latest and most efficient lighting products, which reduce energy usage
REDUCING WASTE
Waste Diversion
Landfill Diversion and Recycling
Our efforts to curb waste generation and to reduce, re-use and recycle include encouraging recycling of paper, plastic and cardboard at our stores, distribution centers, hubs and offices.
REDUCING FOSSIL FUELS
Our Company Fleet
We operate mostly newer vehicles in our fleet and most of the larger trucks utilize newer engine technologies, which are specially designed to reduce harmful emissions of both greenhouse gases and particulate matter. Our older vehicles are smaller vehicles (Sprinter vans and smaller cutaway variety trucks) which, because of their smaller size, get better fuel mileage than the larger vehicles. Wherever possible, we utilize these smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles in order to reduce our fuel consumption.
In addition:
- We do our best to ensure that all our vehicles, regardless of size, are well-maintained and functioning at peak performance.
- We design our routes to limit drive time wherever possible. Drivers may not deviate from their routes without approval. During periods of decreased shipping volume, routes may be combined in order to reduce overall miles being driven or, during extremely slow volume periods, product may be shipped via common carriers or routes may be canceled altogether.
- We consolidate routes for our over-the-road fleet in order to limit miles driven and designing routes based upon volume being shipped.
- We actively discourage fleet drivers from letting vehicles idle when not moving.
- We use airflow streamlining technologies such as nose cones in our last mile fleet and wheel skirts on our over-the-road trailers, which reduce fuel consumption.
- We have on-board computer technology in our last mile fleet that enables us to monitor and manage each driver’s driving habits and MPG performance, allowing us to make adjustments that generate fuel improvement.
CARPOOLING
We recognize that carpooling reduces greenhouse gases as well as saves employees money associated with the commute to work. Therefore, we encourage our employees to carpool or use public transportation whenever possible.