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Environmental Responsibility
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bringing responsibility to every detail
Our commitment to environmental responsibility extends throughout the entire organization, encompassing our processes, procedures, facilities, and people.
Environmental Assessments of PropertyAt Safeway, we know that every building we occupy – whether it’s a store, distribution center or supply plant – will have an impact on the land beneath it. That’s why we perform environmental assessments for every real estate purchase, sale or lease that may result in an adverse effect on the environment. When potential negative impacts are predicted, we determine what corrective measures to take to assure there’s no potential harm to human health or the environment.
Education & TrainingWe incorporate environmental training in our New Employee Orientation, Retail Leadership Development and Safety Champions programs. We also offer specific training programs in source reduction, recycling and environmental compliance. Safeway strives to educate our customers about energy management and about our participation in numerous federal and state programs aimed at reducing energy use in our stores and other facilities.
Recycling ProgramsWe recycle paper, plastics, corrugated cardboard, compostable material, and more. These programs keep waste out of landfills and help cities and counties reach mandated reductions in solid waste disposal to landfills. For example, each of our California stores diverts more than 85% of its total solid waste from landfill disposal – well above the state-mandated goal of 50%.
Renewable & Sustainable EnergyAs one of the largest retail consumers of energy, we have chosen to be a leader in renewable and socially responsible energy procurement and use. In 2006 we developed a Greenhouse Gas and Sustainability Initiative that includes partnerships with entities like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Climate Action Registry. We have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 6% from our 2000 baseline, and to continue searching for ways to lessen our dependence on traditional fossil fuels.
Ozone-Depleting RefrigerantsWe are in the process of replacing Class I refrigerants (the most ozone-depleting) in all existing stores. New stores use non-ozone-depleting refrigerants exclusively. At our distribution centers and many of our manufacturing plants with large refrigeration systems, we use ammonia as a refrigerant, which does not contribute to ozone depletion or global warming.
Energy-Efficient TransportationWe have been a member of the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership since 2006. This voluntary public-private alliance is committed to adopting fuel-saving and air-pollution-control strategies that reduce fuel costs and significantly decrease GHG emissions.
Underground Storage TanksAll Safeway tanks that are subject to the federal upgrade standards have been approved by the appropriate authorities to receive fuel deliveries. Our new tank systems exceed most federal and state standards, meeting many of the strict California requirements even for locations outside of that state. In 2007, 48 tanks were added at new Safeway retail fuel centers. Each system meets standard Safeway specifications for design, installation and monitoring. The tank and piping systems are all double-walled and equipped with leak detectors and sensors.