UNFI Renewable Energy Initiatives: Green-e RECs, LEED

UNFI Renewable Energy Initiatives cut carbon emissions at its Lancaster facility through Green-e Energy certified renewable energy credits from EcoElectrons, support LEED certification, expand solar power generation, and align with EPA Green Power Partnership goals.

Top Insights

UNFI uses Green-e certified RECs, on-site solar, 100% green power, and LEED measures to cut facility emissions.

Cuts 4,500 metric tons CO2e at Lancaster distribution facility
Purchase via EcoElectrons using Green-e Energy certified RECs
Supports LEED certification for 590,000 sq ft center
Generates 2M+ kWh annually from solar in CA and CT

United Natural Foods Inc UNFI has extended its commitment to using renewable energy by purchasing 6,200 megawatt-hours of electricity and renewable energy from EcoElectrons Renewable Energy for its new Lancaster distribution facility.

This purchase is expected to reduce carbon emissions at the Lancaster facility by about 4,500 metric tons, the equivalent of nearly 10,400 barrels of oil, and, similar to Amazon clean energy projects in the US and UK, complements UNFI's effort to obtain LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for the 590,000-square-foot facility. EcoElectrons Renewable Energy specializes in supplying green power to organizations through renewable energy credits (also known as renewable energy certificates or RECs) to support sustainability goals.

The renewable energy purchased by UNFI is certified by Green-e Energy, which provides independent, third-party certification to ensure renewable energy meets strict environmental and consumer protection standards, and market options like Exelon Green-e Energy RECs help broaden access.

UNFI produces more than 2 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually through solar electric systems installed at its Rocklin, California and Dayville, Connecticut facilities. It also uses 100% green power in its Ridgefield, Washington distribution facility and, like Ahold USA, is a member of the EPA's Green Power Partnership. This voluntary program encourages organizations to buy green power, and leaders like Whole Foods use wind power for all electrical needs, as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use.