 PLEASANTON, California -- Jan. 18, 2008 -- Safeway Inc, announced today that it has converted its entire U.S. truck fleet to cleaner-burning Biodiesel. Safeway is one of the USA’s leading retailers with 1,738 stores in the United States and western Canada and annual sales of $40.2 billion in 2006. Safeway has embraced environmentally friendly initiatives throughout its business operations with adoption of Green Energy, solar panels, and corporate recycling programs, and is one of the first major retailers in the US to convert its entire fleet to Biodiesel. The decision will help Safeway reduce its CO2 emissions by 75 million pounds annually, the equivalent of taking nearly 7,500 passenger vehicles off the road each year.
Safeway initially converted its Arizona and California truck fleets in to B20, and found it had reduced its CO2 gas output by 23,021 metric tons per year. This is equivalent to one of the following:
· 2,955 U.S. households electricity use for one year
· 19,184 acres of pine or fir forests storing carbon for one year, or
· 590,286 number of tree seedlings grown for 19 years The announcement of the full-fleet implementation of the Biodiesel refueling program was appropriately scheduled at the company's Dublin, California store; one of the company's green stores powered by solar and wind energy. Making the announcement, Safeway President and CEO, Steve Burd, said, "Safeway is proud to lead by example to help protect the environment," Using Biodiesel to power our transportation fleet will prevent millions of pounds of carbon emissions from being released into the environment. Our Biodiesel program is just one of many initiatives underway that will make a positive impact on the environment." Joining Mr. Burd for the announcement, California Lt. Governor John Garamendi said, "Safeway's environmental leadership is a shining example of how businesses can adapt and become a major player in the fight against global warming, Thinking green can no longer be a choice in the business world when looking toward the future. Smart businesses are looking over the horizon, and understand that the risks and opportunity associated with this critical issue must be part of their overall plan to grow and to be successful in the future." "We looked for an opportunity where we could make a statement," Vice President of Safeway Public Affairs Kevin Herglotz said. "We could do something bold. We could hopefully set an example where other companies could follow suit we hope." Safeway is making the announcement with environmental and community leaders in major cities throughout the US.
· In Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and U.S. Senator Ken Salazar will help fuel the first Biodiesel truck at a Safeway distribution center.
· In Washington, D.C. members of Congress, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency representatives joined Safeway officials for a similar announcement at a local Safeway store.
· Mayor Richard Daley joined executives from Safeway's Dominick's division for an event in Chicago. · In Pasadena, California, Mayor Bill Bogaard and Vons officials unveiled a Biodiesel powered truck in front of city hall.
· In Portland, Oregon a range State Legislators joined Safeway for its local launch. Safeway has embraced environmentally friendly initiatives throughout its business operations with adoption of Green Energy, solar panels, and corporate recycling programs. Safeway supports a broad range of charitable and community programs and in 2007 donated more than $172 million to important causes, such as cancer research, education, food banks and programs focused on assisting people with disabilities. http://shop.safeway.com/superstore/default.asp?brandid=1&page=corphome |
