Within the last couple of years, countless cities and even a number of states have implemented requirements that mandate “green.” In one way or another, these areas are requiring everything from green purchasing and practices to actual green cleaning and environmental sustainability.

To date, the majority of these regulations focus on specific types of facilities. For instance, Illinois and New York requirements only target green cleaning in schools. Greening in New Jersey, as well as cities such as Boston and Oakland, Cal., target city, state and federal government facilities.

Although regulations have yet to reach the retail market, experts believe the wait wont be much longer. Regardless of the lack of requirements from Uncle Sam, many retailers are embracing the demand from their consumers and taking the leap into green.

Many large retailers are already implementing sustainable initiatives, whether building stores with recycled materials or installing low-flow faucets and investing in solar power. In fact, some experts credit Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for embracing the issue in 2005 and bringing it to mainstream media.

Wal-Mart pushed to reduce waste, increase recycling, use renewable energy and only sell products that sustain resources and the environment.

The push towards sustainability was a strong one and American consumers took notice. Public relations for Wal-Mart has improved and customers both support and appreciate the changes.

Wal-Mart executives have said all aspects of the business will continue to make sustainable choices and whether business is good or bad, sustainability will remain a very important part of the corporate culture and product offerings.

Other retailers such as REI, whose business revolves around the outdoors and the environment, also support the green movement. Not only have they been instrumental in communicating sustainability to customers through their product offerings, but REI has benefited financially from practicing what they preach.

REI recently built new locations featuring skylights. Doing so has not only reduced the energy consumption within the facility, but the natural light has had a positive effect on staff retention and consumer satisfaction. Employees are happier, energy bills are down and product sales are up.

Now that the retailer has experienced some positive outcomes to green initiatives, REI executives plan to implement additional environmental programs at multiple locations throughout the country.

As energy costs continue to rise, electronics retailers such as Best Buy Co. Inc. have implemented steps to reduce their environmental footprint. This electronic giant has added solar power to its stores, implemented strong recycling programs for packaging and is looking to build electronics that consume less energy.

Programs such as these will minimize energy consumption and attract consumers who are eager to embrace retailers that are working to make a difference.

Taking green initiatives one step further, many retailers are pursuing certification with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Retail, which is currently in its pilot stage. The program is expected to become available in late 2008 and will grant certification and recognition to retail facilities who meet or exceed green certification standards.

Retailers across the country are taking the initiative to institute changes towards green. And, they are doing it on their own terms, before the government moves in and develops its own solution to the growing environmental problems.




POSTED ON: 8/1/2008