Starbucks is expanding its Greener Store program.
The coffee chain wants to certify 10,000 Greener Stores globally by 2025. And it’s making strides on that goal—Starbucks has certified 3,508 Greener Stores and brought the program to 20 markets, according to a press release. In addition, the company has brought the Greener Stores program to two new regions, Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa. All new stores built in Latin America and the Caribbean will be built under the Greener Stores framework by the end of 2023 and forward.
Starbucks Greener Stores framework was codeveloped with the World Wildlife Fund and includes a set of 25 performance-based standards across environmental impact areas. These areas include energy efficiency, water stewardship and waste diversion. Some features of these Greener Stores include solar panels, water recycling tanks, high-efficiency appliances, low-emitting paint and sealants, recycling tampers and energy-efficient HVAC temperature systems.
Daily practices by employees are another factor in the Greener Store certification. One element that employees are particularly fond of, according to a press release, is the Starbucks Waste and Recycling App. The app guides employees on how to recycle, compost and donate perishable foods.
Starbucks Waste and Recycling app.
The Greener Store program has shown results—in the U.S., Starbucks Greener Stores practices have saved the company almost $60 million in annual operating costs including 30% water savings and 30% energy reduction, according to a press release. The Greener Store program is also helping the company make strides in its goal to reduce carbon emissions, water usage and landfill waste by 50% by 2030.
“With a company of Starbucks scale–any one action, no matter how small, has the potential for massive impact,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “I’m so proud to see our Greener Stores framework continue to scale for good globally. The program we have created will continue to move us closer towards our resource positive goals.”
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