Aldi’s green DC translates into ‘gold’

Aldi’s sustainability efforts are gaining recognition.



The grocer’s sustainable distribution center and regional headquarters in Moreno Valley, Calif., have earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Working alongside Graycor Construction Company, Aldi improved the design and materials used in the development of both buildings.



Specifically, the chain added on-site solar panels that provide 60% of the electricity at the Aldi Moreno Valley regional headquarters and warehouse. Other additions include an energy-efficient ammonia refrigeration system; water-efficient landscaping and plumbing, and electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle racks that promote the use of greener methods of transportation.



"Aldi is taking steps wherever possible to reduce our environmental impact," said Aaron Sumida, VP, Aldi. "Building our warehouse to meet LEED Gold requirements is a significant achievement, one that will enable us to conserve energy, and reduce water consumption, which are critical in California, and ultimately reduce our carbon footprint.”




Aldi noted that its stores have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional grocery stores, due to their smaller size, and also feature environmentally friendly building materials and state-of-the-art lighting and refrigeration systems that reduce energy use.



"As Aldi expands operations to California, we will continue to uphold these values by ensuring our California stores feature sustainable building elements designed to reduce our carbon footprint through energy efficiency, waste reduction and green building design," said Sumida.