Wegmans is a major regional supermarket chain and one of the largest private companies in the U.S. With its headquarters in Rochester, New York Wegmans operates 71 stores in New York State, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland. The company employs over 37,000 people.
As part of their commitment to their customers and employees, Wegmans has continually sought ways to make their stores more energy efficient. In partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Wegmans has implemented extensive efficiency improvements throughout its stores. Through NYSERDA’s New York Energy $mart Products Program Wegmans has made a great commitment to educating their customers on the benefits of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and advanced power strips.
Working with NYSERDA, Wegmans has partnered with several manufacturers including Philips, Litetronics, and Feit to offer competitively priced CFLs for consumers and training for employees. In 2007, Wegmans sold $1 million worth of CFLs. In 2009 the company will launch its own private label brand CFL—the first major New York grocer to do so. Wegmans’ efforts to increase the amount of CFLs sold in their stores has accounted for more than 69 million kWhs in lifetime savings. These energy efficiency improvements have been undertaken through financial incentives:
- A comprehensive retrofit of all lighting systems that includes the use of high performance T8 fixtures, high efficiency flourescent lamps and LEDs in freezer cases and exit signs;
- High efficiency HVAC systems; and
- Interval meters on equipment to control energy use.