Net-Zero Emissions

A Huge Step Forward Toward Net-Zero Emissions

To Our Community,

I hope this blog post finds you healthy and well on this cold winter week. I have a few brief updates for you today.

Bonus

I am happy to report that all employees received a $300 retention bonus in their paychecks this week. The bonus is to reward our employees for their hard work, dedication, perseverance, and for remaining on the Co-op team.

As I say repeatedly, our team is the best in the business,
bar none.

Lebanon Store Upgrade

This week marks the end of the Lebanon store upgrade—a complex, multifaceted project that launched last spring. Over the past nine months at the Lebanon store, our teams have:

  • Converted our refrigerant to a more planet-friendly option
  • Modernized our HVAC system
  • Replaced all our refrigerated cases
  • Switched all the overhead lighting to LED
  • Created a better customer experience and a more energy-efficient space

It is important to recognize that the planning and management of the project enabled the work to be performed with minimal disruptions to shoppers.

Today I would like to recognize and thank all involved, including our store and Facilities teams, all the employees from around the Co-op who supported the project in a wide variety of ways, and all the members and shoppers who were patient and supportive along the way.

As you know, our Board and the Co-op are committed to net-zero emissions by 2030, so this was a big step we needed to take to kick start the journey.

How big a step?

This work has resulted in a 66% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) for the Lebanon store and a
36% reduction overall for the Co-op

A great first step with lots more to do in the days ahead.

Federal Mandates

Last week the Supreme Court heard arguments for and against the Biden administration’s mandatory vaccination or testing policy. To review, if the Court upholds the mandate, we are prepared to implement weekly testing for unvaccinated employees.

This would ensure our Co-op adheres to federal law while still honoring personal choice. But until the Court’s decision is made, we remain on hold.

As always, I will update you as we know more.

Wrap Up

Thank you to all our members and shoppers for your ongoing support. Remember to be kind to one another and to yourselves, and we look forward to serving you in our stores and at the curbside.

Onward and upward,

Paul

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Paul Guidone

Paul Guidone, CFA, spent the better part of four decades in the investment management business here and abroad. He held positions ranging from analyst through Deputy Chairman and Group CEO, at organizations such as Citigroup (US) and The HSBC Group (London and Hong Kong). He joined the Co-op in 2016 as the CFO and in 2018 became Strategic Advisor to the General Manager. Paul was appointed by the Co-op Board as interim General Manager in March 2020 and General Manager in September 2020. To contact, email PGuidone@coopfoodstore.com.

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