Starbucks in sustainability milestone — nearly doubles green store portfolio
Starbucks is closing to achieving its goal of certifying 10,000 “Greener Stores” globally by 2025.
The coffee giant said it has certified 6,091 “Greener Stores,” nearly doubling its portfolio in the past year. Located in markets around the globe, the energy and water savings and waste diversion of the stores help advance Starbucks’ goal to reduce carbon emissions, water usage and landfill waste by 50% by 2030.
In the United States, Greener Stores practices have saved the company almost $60 million in annual operating costs, including 30% water savings and 30% energy reduction when compared to historic store practices. The Greener Stores framework is the blueprint for all new Starbucks around the world.
To be certified, the store must meet standards across eight environmental impact areas developed in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and SCS Global Services: water stewardship, energy efficiency, waste diversion, renewable energy, responsible materials, engagement, sites, communities, health and wellbeing.
Each greener store has a combination of sustainable features that help it receive its third-party verification. Some stores have obvious elements such as solar panels or water recycling tanks.
Other stores have more subtle features behind the counter, such as high-efficiency appliances, low-emitting paint and sealants, and energy management systems. Additional features include store practices like composting and food donation.
U.S. Greener Store of the Year
In a new component of the program, Starbucks announced its inaugural global Greener Stores of the Year program, awarding one store in each of six regions to celebrate stores exceeding in innovation and environmental impact.
In North America, the honor was awarded to Starbucks’ store in historic Williamsburg, Va. It is located in a 100-year-old house that was transformed into a Starbucks café operating on 100% local renewable electricity provided by the Fern Solar project located just under 200 miles away.
In addition, the store has a rainwater collection system in place for landscape irrigation and banquettes made from recycled wood.
“Our big vision for the future is for every Starbucks store around the world to be more sustainable,” said Michael Kobori, chief sustainability officer, Starbucks. “That’s why I’m excited to see the continued growth of Greener Stores globally, driven by the passion of our partners,” “Starbucks environmental promise comes to life through our baristas’ daily actions which help define a Greener Store, our innovative shift toward reusable cups, and our partnership with coffee farmers on sustainable growing practices — it’s all part of our commitment to give more than we take from the planet.”
The company has Greener Stores in 44 markets, with new markets including India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Bahrain, Italy, France, Spain and Costa Rica.