GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – As part of its ongoing effort to increase its sustainability initiatives, Meijer announced today that it plans to transition the interior lighting of its retail locations to all LED by 2021. The transition will affect all Meijer stores across the retailer’s six-state footprint. Meijer expects the change will reduce its lighting electrical use by as much as 50 percent annually.
The LED transition is the latest initiative in the retailer’s long-standing commitment to sound environmental practices. Meijer regularly applies innovative and sustainable procedures into its store and supply chain operations, such as constructing energy-efficient buildings, using an industry-leading, low-emissions truck fleet, and offering a wide selection of local and sustainable product offerings.
The LEDs being used in the investment are supplied by GE, Cooper and Phillips. Meijer plans to transition all in-store interior lighting, including ceiling and spotlight illumination. LED lights are 70 percent more efficient, improve lighting quality, and have a lifespan more than twice that of traditional lighting. In 2013, Meijer introduced its first all-LED store in Beavercreek, OH.
“Our Beavercreek location served as a great test that led us down the path to planning a full-chain transition across our six-state footprint,” said Rick Keyes, President & CEO of Meijer. “The lighting quality made possible by LEDs enhances the shopping experience for our customers and the work environment for team members, while significantly decreasing energy usage.”
The four-year project launched in June with the company’s 100+ Michigan stores. The retailer will phase in other Meijer locations state-by-state within its six-state footprint so the stores can remain open during the installation process.
Since 2005, Meijer has made great strides in energy efficiency, decreasing energy usage in stores by 25 percent per square foot. Since 2007, all Meijer stores have been built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
Meijer has also been at the forefront of LED technology for customers. In 2014, Meijer expanded its selection of energy-efficient light bulbs for customers by partnering with GE Lighting to redesign and expand its retail lighting aisle. GE Lighting used the space to launch its new line of LED bulbs while partnering with Meijer to educate consumers about LED technology as the industry phased out incandescent bulbs.
Click here to learn more about how Meijer puts sustainability into action.
About Meijer:
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 240 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
Source: Meijer
