PROVIDENCE, RI - Our teams are uncovering cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste, finding that even small adjustments can lead to impactful results.

Distribution centers across the UNFI network are undergoing energy efficiency “tune-ups” where facilities leaders take a deep dive into all aspects of energy use in local operations. From refrigeration systems to battery charging stations, HVAC units to compressors – no stone is left unturned. Local teams leave the two-day sessions with a preliminary list of low- and no-cost changes they can implement immediately.

Once the initial tune-up is complete, the baton passes to the local team to maintain the changes. “It’s all about teamwork and collaboration,” says Bill Witman, Facilities Manager at UNFI Harrisburg in Pennsylvania. "By working with our food safety team and senior management, we've gained a clear vision of our goals to efficiently run our refrigeration systems. Since joining the program in October, we've made significant strides in overall savings."

“Energy efficiency is about reducing waste and optimizing our operations, leading to savings and fewer greenhouse gas emissions from things like refrigeration or lighting,” says Nate Lapides, Sr. Manager, Climate and Energy, at UNFI. For DCs with cold storage, refrigeration makes up approximately 75% of total energy consumption. “Even minor tweaks to a refrigeration unit can lead to big energy savings,” says Eric Overhulser, Senior Manager of Facilities for UNFI West Region.

Some participating distribution centers are on a path to achieve up to 15% annual energy savings. UNFI Stockton in California saved enough energy to power 143 households for an entire year in its first twelve months in the program. “We’re extremely happy with the results,” said Carlos Arellano, Facility Maintenance Manager at UNFI Stockton. “We look forward to maintaining these practices to help reduce our operating costs and our environmental impact.”

“These tune-ups help us spot things that might have been changed during regular maintenance and never switched back,” said Overhulser. "Our partners at Cascade Energy find trends from other companies and suggest best practices for us. It's a big win for UNFI and the environment."

Mindful energy savings benefit our operations, our customers and suppliers, and the environment. These eco-friendly practices are reducing our operational emissions footprint, allowing UNFI to make progress on our sustainability and climate goals. Overhulser said it best, “It’s almost a no brainer.”

This story is part of an ongoing series celebrating UNFI’s progress on our sustainability and impact goals. To learn more about our efforts, we invite you to explore our recently published Impact Report.