• In our prototype stores, we use skylights and oversized windows to bring in more natural light; and our overhead lights automatically dim when there is enough natural light to save energy.

• We are working with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) to certify our buildings as sustainable and energy efficient stores.
• The LED lighting that we use for our exterior signs, cooler doors, and freezer cases uses significantly less energy than fluorescent lights.
• We increased insulation in our buildings so we use less heating and air conditioning.
• Our refrigeration units are designed to use at least 10% less energy than standard units.
• We use night shades on our refrigeration cases to keep cool air from escaping and secondary-loop systems to reuse cool air.

• In-store recycling is available for plastic, aluminum, plastic bags and glass when possible at the front of all our stores and in employee break rooms.

• We only use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep our stores clean and tidy.
• Our buildings are smoke-free, both inside and out; and have increased ventilation for better air quality.

• All our display and shipping materials are recycled or reused. This includes materials like cardboard, paper, plastic shrink wrap, pallets, totes, crates or damaged hand baskets.
• Our Standard Grocery Bags are made from 50% recycled materials and are designed to be larger and sturdier, so there’s no need to double bag them:
• We offer several reusable options, including one for 99-cents that is made from 100% unbleached cotton. It’s available for purchase in all our stores and is great for the beach, gym, work, school and, of course, bagging your fresh&easy™ groceries.

At 500,000 square feet, the solar panels on our Riverside, CA Distribution Center are the size of 5 football fields and are considered one of the largest roof-mounted solar installations in North America!

They are designed for a peak power output of 2 megawatts (power), and produce over 2.6 million kilowatt hours (energy) per year. In other words, each day our panels provide nearly a fifth of the center’s power supply saving around 1,200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

This innovative, energy-saving program was developed by our neighbors at Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc. of Los Angeles. They are a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of power-generating, building-integrated roofing systems for commercial buildings.

Together, we figured this would be a great way to save energy and reduce our dependence on traditional power. If you’re interested, check out what’s happening right now with our panels...