Sustainability continues to shape many of the strategies implemented in the retail industry today. The GIANT Company is among those working to make its operations more eco-friendly, as the retailer announced a long-term renewable energy supply agreement with Constellation, a leading competitive energy and energy solutions provider. Constellation will power the retailer’s Pennsylvania operations, including select stores, fuel stations, and perishable distribution centers with renewable energy.
“Supporting renewable energy projects like solar is one of the many ways The GIANT Company is working to heal the planet for the families we serve today and in the future,” said Nicholas Bertram, President, The GIANT Company. “This project is a significant step in further reducing our Scope 2 carbon emissions and achieving our overall sustainability goals. It reaffirms our commitment to being a sustainable grocer and responsible steward of the communities we serve, all while bringing jobs and economic benefit to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
As a result of the new partnership, GIANT will be able to avoid more than 100,000 metric tons of Scope 2 carbon emissions associated with its energy use annually, which is the equivalent of taking nearly 24,000 cars off the road, according to the U.S. EPA estimates.
In addition, The GIANT Company will receive approximately 155 million kilowatt-hours of energy per year from the long-term power purchase agreement, according to a press release, with that energy matched by Green-e® Energy Certified RECs sourced from renewable facilities located throughout the U.S.
“We applaud The GIANT Company on supporting the development of new-build renewable energy assets through its genuine commitment to sustainability,” said Mark Huston, President of Constellation’s National Retail Business. “We’re pleased to help The GIANT Company deliver on its carbon reduction goals while making a positive impact on the environment.”
To simplify the purchase, The GIANT Company will use a clean energy solution from Constellation that enables the development of, and increases businesses’ access to, large-scale off-site renewable energy projects by removing hurdles associated with traditional offsite power purchase agreements.
The GIANT Company completed a two-phase solar project at its Carlisle, Pennsylvania, corporate headquarters in June 2020, which includes a 625kw rooftop solar array and seven-acre pollinator-friendly solar field—enough to generate renewable power for the entire campus.
GIANT was also one of the first grocery retailers and one of the first Pennsylvania participants to take part in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s InSPIRE study, as the release noted. In the study, scientists measure and track the performance of the pollinator-friendly ground cover for applications to future solar energy projects.
Amerex Energy Services represented The GIANT Company and worked with Constellation to design and implement this renewable product structure.
How will this strategic new partnership continue to optimize the retail chain’s operations? Keep clicking on Deli Market News to find out.
