The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) GreenChill Partnership awarded its Gold-Level Certification to the new Cub Foods supermarket in St. Paul, Minn. The store is the first in the nation to receive this certification as part of GreenChill’s new program to recognize superior refrigeration management practices and use of green refrigeration technology.

The Cub Foods store has reduced its refrigerant charge by 65 percent versus the industry standard, it was reported. In addition, the store is completely leak tight at installation, according to a statement from GreenChill.

The GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership is an EPA-cooperative alliance with the supermarket industry to promote advanced technologies, strategies, and practices that reduce emissions of stratospheric ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases.

GreenChill partners in the food retail business have refrigerant emissions rates nearly 50-percent lower than the EPA-estimated industry average, it was reported. To qualify for Gold Certification, a store’s refrigeration systems and management practices must meet rigorous environmental standards.

The EPA works with GreenChill partners to transition to using only nonozone-depleting refrigerants, reducing refrigerant charges, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting the adoption of advanced refrigeration technology.

“EPA’s GreenChill Partnership is excited to award Cub Foods our Gold-Level certification for green refrigeration technology,” said Keilly Witman, U.S. EPA representative, Stratospheric Protection Division. “Cub is the first supermarket in the nation to earn this certification, which sets an example for the grocery industry. We’re proud of the commitment they’ve made to their customers and the environment.”

“Cub Foods is looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Brian Huff, president of Cub Foods. “The partnership with the EPA GreenChill Program came just as we began construction on our first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment) certified store. This additional certification is an added bonus, and we know we’re doing the right thing for our business, our customers, and the environment.”

Cub Foods was established in 1968 as one of the nation’s first discount grocery stores. The organization was purchased in 1980 by Supervalu.

Publication date: 12/01/2008