UNFI Works to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
UNFI joins the US EPA SmartWay Partnership to increase energy efficiency while reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
February 2007
United Natural Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce that as part of our ongoing commitment to a cleaner environment we have joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership.
The SmartWaySM Transport Partnership is a voluntary collaboration between U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and companies with truck fleets. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. SmartWay Transport Partners lead the way towards a cleaner, more efficient transportation future by adopting fuel-saving strategies that reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Reducing emissions has been a high priority for United Natural Foods for several years. Shawn Mitchell, Vice President of Operations, Eastern Region, said “United Natural Foods and the Smartway Transport Partnership share the same goals. Participation in this program is a natural fit for us.”
United Natural Foods’ fuel saving strategies reduced carbon dioxide emissions from the Eastern Region fleet by over 2 percent from 2005 to 2006. More than 390,000 gallons of fuel have been saved by reducing overnight idling and use of low-friction lubricants.
Ken Velidow, Logistics Technology Manager, Eastern Region, said: “Between September 2005 and 2006, we reduced idle time 60%, from 12% to 4.76 %, and improved miles per gallon (MPG) approximately 5%, reducing our fuel consumption. Key to these improvements was the information provided by our on-board computers and driver education.”
Blair Altemus, Director of Transportation, Eastern Region, said “United Natural Foods is acting on it’s commitment to a greener environment by investing in our people and our equipment. Educating our drivers has increased their awareness of how their driving habits impact emissions and fuel economy.”
The fleet’s on-board computers help United Natural Foods to keep equipment well maintained and adjusted for maximum fuel efficiency. Miles per gallon was increased by improving driving practices, such as shifting techniques, improved vehicle performance and new aerodynamic technology. The fleet’s new, electronic engines are set to automatically shut off after 10 minutes while the truck is stopped, further reducing emissions and improving MPG.
Shawn Mitchell, Vice President of Operations, Eastern Region, said “We are very pleased with the results of our participation in the SmartWay Transport Partnership. This is just one part of United Natural Foods’ continual efforts to conduct our business in a way that respects and protects the environment.”
For more information on the SmartWay Transport Partnership visit the EPA web site at SmartWay Transport Partnership. For information on other EPA transportation-related air quality programs, please visit Transportation and Air Quality.