← Back to Press Room
June 29th, 2021
GIANT EAGLE PLEDGES TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2040
Retailer has achieved 22% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in last eight years;
Giant Eagle will invest $100 million toward net zero carbon efforts over next decade
PITTSBURGH – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average supermarket emits the equivalent of 6.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually via refrigerants and electricity consumption, or the number of emissions equal to 635,000 passenger vehicles driven for one year. As a leading food retailer with more than 200 supermarkets across five states, Giant Eagle announced today its commitment to improve its climate impact by achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, with an initial target of 50 percent carbon dioxide reduction by 2030.
“Our future generations deserve a healthy planet and reducing our impact on the climate is a critical way we can make good on this obligation,” said Giant Eagle President and CEO Laura Shapira Karet. “Giant Eagle has proudly served our communities for nearly a century and we are committed to doing our part to preserve the neighborhoods we call home for another 100 years.”
A Leader in Reduction Efforts to Date
Giant Eagle’s net zero carbon commitment is a key pillar in the company’s overarching strategic environmental sustainability platform built on setting ambitious goals grounded in measurable progress. In the past eight years alone, Giant Eagle has demonstrated its leadership by reducing the carbon dioxide emitted throughout its operations by 22 percent. This was accomplished through numerous efforts, including the conversion of approximately 70 percent of its truck fleet to alternative energy, LED retrofitting and more efficient heating and cooling.
The Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon
Giant Eagle will build on its progress to date with an investment of $100 million over the next 10 years to reach important milestones including:
- 100 percent conversion of Giant Eagle’s 200-plus truck fleet to alternative energy
- Infrastructure improvements that target carbon reduction and energy efficiency such as smart lighting solutions and greener HVAC systems
- Investments into green energy solutions including direct green power purchasing agreements and other renewable power investments
- Investments into negative emissions technologies which include carbon capture, soil sequestration and reforestation
Giant Eagle’s net zero carbon commitment is inclusive of the electricity, refrigerant and fuel used to make its stores, retail support centers and corporate offices operate as well as the energy needed to move goods and people with its truck fleet. In addition to carbon emissions, the company’s overarching strategic sustainability platform also includes single-use plastics, waste, sustainable products and Team Member engagement. Those interested in learning more about Giant Eagle’s sustainability efforts may visit
GiantEagle.com/AllOfUs.
About Giant Eagle
Giant Eagle, Inc., ranked among the top 40 on Forbes magazine’s largest private corporations list, is one of the nation’s largest food retailers and distributors with $9.7 billion in annual sales. Founded in 1931, Giant Eagle, Inc. has grown to be a leading food, fuel and pharmacy retailer in the region with more than 470 stores throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, northern West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana.
← Back to Press Room
