ROCHESTER, NY - As sustainability strategies continue to serve as a vehicle for operational growth, many companies are looking for ways to lower their carbon footprint. Among those companies is Wegmans, which recently shifted its transportation strategy to focus on diesel elimination rather than diesel efficiency.

“With three fully-electric class 8 truck pilots planned for next year, we’re excited about what the future holds, and hopeful that as more and more of these technologies become available, we’ll be able to fit them into our operations,” says Matt Harris, Sustainability Manager for Energy and Fleet Technology.

As it puts this new transportation blueprint in place, the retail chain plans to optimize alternative fuels, electrification, and collaborative partnerships with technology suppliers to achieve a diesel-free fleet.

Currently, Wegmans has 175 trucks and 16 compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors, with another 49 on order, according to a press release. With CNG trucks, the retailer will be able to change its footprint in Rochester, New York, from 80 percent diesel to 80 percent natural gas—eliminating nearly 800,000 gallons of diesel a year.

In addition to optimizing its transportation fleet, the company is also exploring new technologies to achieve its goal of having a fleet that is net carbon zero, or net carbon negative if possible. Last month, the retailer explored Hyliion’s Hypertruck ERX, a next-generation electric powertrain that is recharged by an onboard natural gas generator, giving it the potential to be a net-carbon-negative vehicle.

To find out how this new strategy strengthens Wegmans’ operations and overall standing in the grocery sector, watch out for AndNowUKnow’s latest updates.

Wegmans