Starbucks is expanding its open-source “Greener Store” initiative worldwide, beginning in China this month. The new concept store will use a circular system that will focus on recycling materials and reducing waste.
Launched in 2018, the Greener Store Framework was co-developed with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help transform retail towards sustainable stores that have reduced carbon emissions, landfill waste, and water usage.
The coffee giant has an estimated 2300 Greener Stores in the US and Canada and will begin using the framework outside of North America this year to help reach its goal of having 10,000 Greener Stores by 2025.
“We’ve proven designing and building greener stores is not only responsible but also good for business,” said Andy Adams, senior VP for store development, Starbucks.
“In 2018, we created a new benchmark in retail that goes beyond construction and design to address long-term, eco-conscious operations. Today, we expand the Greener Stores benchmark globally to accelerate our progress toward our Planet Positive goals.”
The Greener Stores are designed to achieve a 30-per-cent reduction in energy consumption – equivalent to the electricity use of more than 30,000 homes per year. In addition, the stores have built-in technologies that treat and conserve water, saving approximately 1.3 billion gallons annually.
“Starbucks expansion of the Greener Stores program demonstrates a continued commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation,” said Sheila Bonini, senior VP of private-sector engagement at WWF.
“By making this program open-source and expanding it globally, Starbucks is creating a path toward a resource-positive future within their own four walls and beyond.”
Over the next year, Starbucks will continue the international expansion with Greener Stores opening in Japan, the UK and Chile.
