Hannaford Supermarkets has pledged to operate solely on renewable energy by 2024. Large-scale solar projects set for Maine and New York stores will be crucial to the company’s plan.
“Hannaford has always been serious about sustainability—and over time, it’s become an integral business function. But there is a sense of urgency as we witness the planet in the midst of a climate crisis,” said George Parmenter, a sustainability efforts leader for Hannaford, in a statement. “Hannaford wants to lead where we can make the most impact—and renewable energy is just another step in our journey.”
Local and state government leaders have recognized Hannaford’s climate efforts. Senators Suzanne Collins, Angus King, Maggie Hassan, and others have lauded the company’s belief in a sustainable future, the steps they have taken, and their plan, according to the retailer.
Hannah Pingree, co-chair of the Maine Climate Council and director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future said in a statement, “By taking bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy, Hannaford is not only supporting the goals of the state’s ambitious climate action plan, Maine Won’t Wait, but hopefully inspiring other businesses to take their own actions to promote sustainability and join in the global effort against climate change.”
Hannaford has also committed to becoming a net zero carbon emissions company by 2040, and this goal is one key step in this initiative. Other environmental conscious efforts include implementing natural refrigerants, implementing use of energy efficient LED lights, expanding electric vehicle charging stations to many of its parking areas, and most recently, diverting or donating all the food at risk of going to landfills.
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