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Giant Eagle Incorporated:

In Practice

1: Make Commitment

Broadly defining the team

Giant Eagle recognizes that motivating employees is crucial to a successful energy management program. Giant Eagle's energy team enables the company to achieve the consensus necessary for the energy management program to flourish.  Each member of the energy team was chosen for his or her skill, experience, and commitment to energy conservation. Since external functions also play key roles in the energy efficiency of a building, Giant Eagle included representatives from other organizations, including the engineering design, building construction, equipment purchasing and facility maintenance companies, AETOS Construction and ECHO Developers.

The Director of Conservation oversees the energy team and reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Store Planning, Construction and Conservation. This line of command demonstrates Giant Eagle's commitment to integrating energy conservation into the design of new facilities as well as the retrofitting of existing ones. 

4: Create Action Plan

Creating an action plan with teeth      

Giant Eagle developed an Energy Management Plan that lists 11 business activities with related strategies and defines the companys plans to carry out those strategies.  The foundation of the Giant Eagle plan begins with corporate commitment to energy management, utility data collection and benchmarking.  Utilizing the results from benchmarking provides the best opportunities for savings as well as setting internal standards and a mechanism for comparison to leading industry averages. 

New construction offers Giant Eagle an excellent opportunity to incorporate energy efficient equipment, materials and design practices during construction planning and design. These new highly efficient buildings set the standard for existing facility upgrades.  All facilities benefit from both improved operating and maintenance procedures that maximize low-cost opportunities to reduce energy use and new technology reviews that involve installing and auditing 1-3 promising opportunities annually.

Procurement of energy and equipment is another aspect of Giant Eagles energy management plan. Capitalizing on energy procurement opportunities where deregulation is offered potentially lowers energy costs.  Giant Eagle ensures that equipment purchased at the time of new construction, remodel and end of life replacement has the lowest overall life cycle without sacrificing required functionality.  ENERGY STAR^® labeled products are specified when applicable. 

7: Recognize Achievements

Reaching those with the power to make a difference

Successful energy management programs require informed and involved employees. Giant Eagle increase awareness of energy management initiatives through formal internal recognition, including sending congratulatory emails and packets of information to managers of ENERGY STAR labeled buildings.  Two poster campaigns promote energy awareness during Earth Day and Energy Awareness Month.   To publicize conservation measures and EPA recognition, all stores broadcast an audio spot highlighting the Partner of the Year Award and general energy conservation measures.  Finally, Giant Eagle has also published energy management related articles in its company newsletter, Insights. This newsletter directly reaches approximately 26,000 store and corporate employees.