Midwest retailer Meijer announced that it operates one of the largest all-clean diesel fleets in North America. As part of its ongoing green initiatives, the Grand Rapids MI-based retailer’s fleet used innovative technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 60% since it first began implementing the US Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 near-zero emissions standards three years ago. “This is an extremely rewarding achievement that truly speaks to our commitment to the environment,” said Rick Keyes, executive vice-president of supply chain operations and manufacturing. “Not only are we integrating cutting-edge technology into our business, we’re also working under the philosophy that to be a good company, we must be a good neighbor.” The Meijer fleet was the first in North America to implement the federal clean emissions standards that feature near-zero emissions technology, and the retailer’s fleet of 170 semi-trucks now meets or exceeds those requirements. As a result, the Meijer fleet realized a: •47% reduction in particulate matter •55% reduction in—or 525 US tons of—nitrogen oxides •3% reduction in—or 9,300 US tons of—carbon dioxide •5% increase in fuel economy, saving 105,570 gallons of fuel each year. In five years, that equals a savings of 527,850 gallons of fuel—or 52,785 barrels of oil.
In fact, it takes 47 of the new 2010-compliant trucks to equal the same emissions as one of the older trucks they replaced, said David Hoover, director of outbound logistics. “I’m very pleased to say that Meijer is able to cut that down and continue to be environmentally conscious,” Hoover said. “The impact is tremendous because the Meijer fleet makes deliveries to our stores 26 times each week.” The Meijer fleet consists of 170 Freightliner Cascadia trucks equipped with new fuel-efficient, reduced-emissions engines. They feature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology that treats nitrogen oxide emissions downstream in the exhaust so the engine can run more efficiently. SCR technology consists of an aftertreatment catalyst system that allows engine exhaust to be treated with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that reduces nitrogen oxides into simple nitrogen and water. To view an infographic that details the impact the Meijer fleet has made on the environment, access www.pinterest.com/pin/259449628506680665/. Meijer operates 203 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Additional information can be found at www.meijer.com.
