Green Washington 2011: Retail

Winner: Starbucks Corp.
Specialty coffee purveyor has 17,000 retail stores in more than 50 countries.

GREEN ACTIONS Starbucks is on track to meet its goal of having all new company-owned stores built to LEED certification beginning this year. It also has plans to make 100 percent of its disposable coffee cups recyclable by 2015, and has worked with raw material suppliers, cup manufacturers and conservation groups to take on this challenge. The company is also using renewable energy, reducing water consumption and increasing its purchase of ethically sourced coffee beans.

RESULTS In 2010, six new or renovated Starbucks stores in the United States received LEED certification, while this year, eight outside North America have or will be registered to receive LEED certification. Those efforts have paved the way for other retailers to achieve certification more quickly and cost effectively. Company-owned stores in North America have reduced water consumption by 21.6 percent since 2008 and purchased renewable energy equivalent to 58 percent of electricity used in 2010. Pilot programs have successfully recycled used cups into new cups and into Starbucks napkins.

Runner Up: Walmart (Bellevue)
Retailer with nearly 18,000 employees at 55 stores in Washington.

GREEN ACTIONS Walmarts Sustainability 360 program aims to use 100 percent renewable energy, create zero waste and sell more products that sustain people and the environment.

RESULTS Walmarts truck fleet experienced an improved efficiency standard of 65 percent by installing fuel-saving technologies, loading trucks more efficiently and improving transportation routes to minimize fuel consumption. Products sold to customers are more green, with 52 percent of products having a 25 percent reduction in energy consumption. Walmart recycled more than 31,000 tons of materials in Washington state in 2010.