Staples Saved Over 540,000 Gallons of Diesel in 2007

September 23, 2008

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Staples Inc. recently released its 2007 Staples Soul Report (PDF), which reveals that the company has saved more than 540,000 gallons of diesel, or roughly $1.5 million, due to modifications to truck fleet that limit top speeds.

Staples invested $3 million in 2007 in the U.S. alone in capital improvements to conveyors, HVAC systems and lighting. And in Europe, all business units have a goal of reducing energy costs by 5% by 2008 regardless of organic growth.

Some examples of efficiency progress in 2007:
• Reduced electricity use by more than 5 million kWh in U.S. distribution facilities by launching a contest among the facilities to identify and implement energy efficiency improvements.
• In a distribution center in the UK, saved more than 430,000 kWh through lighting improvements, thereby preventing the emission of 186,000 pounds of carbon.
• In its JPG distribution facilities in France we saved more than $100,000 in energy costs through efficiency improvements.
• Obtained a hybrid diesel/electric delivery truck in the U.S. for testing and evaluation.
• Installed eight new rooftop solar systems in 2007, for a total of 13 as of the end of 2007.
• Purchased 124 million kWh of green power in 2007, or about 20% of Staples’ total U.S. electricity demand.

The company’s eco-friendly products offering in North America has also been expanded to more than 3,000. It also launched a retail electronics recycling program.

In April, the company launched an online green catalog for contract customers.

Here is last year’s corporate responsibility report.