Temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics company Americold has been named in two industry lists recognizing exceptional sustainability practices along the supply chain.
In its annual “Top Green Providers” list, publication Food Logistics has nominated Americold for generating products, services and exemplary leadership that enhances sustainability within the food and beverage industry. The list is aimed at providing logistics professionals with a guide to manufacturers and software and technology companies that have found new ways to promote sustainability throughout their own operations as well as those of their customers.
“The 2016 Top Green Providers reached a new record high for applicants and recipients, confirming the importance of sustainability in the global food and beverage supply chain,” said Lara L. Sowinski, editorial director, supply chain network, at AC Business Media. “Our industry’s continued focus on environmental stewardship and the role that growers, manufacturers, logistics companies, retailers and others play is driving heightened awareness and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously boosting cost and energy efficiencies.”
Meanwhile, Inbound Logistics has also named Americold to its sustainable provider list, the G75 Green Supply Chain Partners, which highlights enterprises that promote green best practices in their supply chain, logistics and transportation operations. Those companies that make the list were selected based on four key benchmarks: measurable green results, sustainability innovation, continuous improvement and industry recognition.
With a comprehensive corporate social responsibility and sustainability plan, Americold has been able to implement a number of techniques that have helped it to optimize company resources including the employment of motion-activated LED lighting in warehouse spaces, to save more than 14 million kWh of electricity a year, and the addition of natural gas fuel cells and solar panels that produce more than 1.1 million kWh of energy each year. The company also supports its local communities by partnering with nearby utility companies with such a practice. Since 2010, Americold has been able to save over 222 million kWh of electricity—enough to power 20,000 U.S. homes for a year – effectively preventing the release of more than 181 million lbs. of CO2 into the atmosphere.
“Our Corporate Social Responsibility programs began as a way to take greater ownership of how we can best utilize energy, and as these initiatives evolved, the buy-in from our associates wanting to do their part has been incredible,” said David Stuver, SVP Distribution Support & Continuous Improvement at Americold. “Local recycling programs, waste walks, associate efficiency coaching and other programs are being integrated into our Americold Operating System to continuously evolve standard processes across our network in each of our facilities.”
