Meijer, a prominent Midwest retailer, has proudly announced exceeding its industry-leading 2025 sustainability goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50%. This significant milestone was achieved a full year ahead of schedule, underscoring Meijer’s dedication to environmental responsibility. The retailer initially set a target to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2018 levels. Not only did Meijer meet this ambitious target, but it surpassed it, achieving a remarkable 57% reduction in 2023. This remarkable accomplishment is attributed to a well-defined plan, active involvement from senior leadership, and the unwavering commitment of Meijer’s team members who dedicated themselves to achieving this goal.
“At Meijer, we believe in being a good neighbor, and that means protecting our planet. We’re proud to have achieved this goal early and are committed to continue our sustainability journey,” stated Rick Keyes, Meijer President & CEO. “This success is a testament to the dedication of our team members who are committed to integrating sustainability into our daily operations. We’re not only driving positive change within our company but setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that sustainable practices and business success can go hand-in-hand.”
To achieve this significant milestone, Meijer implemented several key initiatives that enhanced its operational efficiency and contributed to its carbon emission reduction target:
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Renewable Energy Investments:
Meijer has taken a proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint by investing in virtual power purchase agreements with renewable solar and wind energy providers. This commitment to clean energy not only supports the environment but aligns with Meijer’s goal of fostering a sustainable future.*
Energy Efficiency Prioritization:
Meijer has actively converted lighting at its retail facilities to energy-efficient LED, implemented advanced building controls for optimized energy management, and regularly conducts building recommissioning to improve overall operational efficiency. The retailer also prioritizes lifecycle asset management to replace equipment with more efficient options and continues to implement and test new advanced technologies, such as geothermal refrigeration.*
Refrigerant Management:
Over the past four years, Meijer has consistently achieved the lowest corporate-wide refrigerant emissions rate among all EPA GreenChill Program partners nationwide. This achievement reflects Meijer’s dedication to closely managing refrigerant emissions and minimizing their environmental impact.These initiatives exemplify Meijer’s commitment to sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship. By investing in renewable energy, prioritizing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices, Meijer continues to fulfill its purpose of enriching lives in the communities it serves. “Achieving this carbon emissions reduction goal ahead of schedule underscores our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship,” stated Erik Petrovskis, Director of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability at Meijer. “We are committed to building upon this accelerated progress to continually improve our operational efficiency and conserve our world for future generations.”
About Meijer:
Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer serving customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. As a pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, Meijer employs over 70,000 dedicated team members committed to providing a friendly and seamless in-store and online shopping experience. Meijer offers a wide range of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. The company is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6% of its profit to strengthen its communities. For more information, visit newsroom.meijer.com.
