“As KeHE moves towards becoming the Next Generation Distributor, the company has also implemented a sustainability commitment as part of its strategic plan,” stated Richard Sanderson, Director of Operational Indirect Purchasing at KeHE, in the press release. “As our company continues to grow, we further realize the impacts that has on our people and the planet, which is why we have developed partnerships to focus on reducing our overall emissions throughout our operations.”
Bloom Energy fuel cell technology produces energy using an electrochemical process, the press release explains, reducing demand on the electrical grid in California and providing cost savings benefits, along with reliability and resiliency.
The technology will allow the facility to reduce its annual carbon dioxide emissions by 431 metric tons. The press release notes that that’s the equivalent of the average passenger vehicle driving 756 miles, or 336 pounds of coal being burned. The fuel cells will also help reduce smog-forming pollution and particulate matter by over 99%.
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“As a certified B Corp, one of our main values at KeHE is to use our business as a ‘force for good’, which includes reducing our carbon footprint,” said Laura McCord, Executive Director of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at KeHE, in the press release. “We are extremely pleased to partner with Bloom Energy to eliminate pollution and create a more sustainable future for everyone.”“As a respected leader in natural and organic food distribution, sustainable living is engrained in KeHE’s corporate ethos,” added Asim Hussain, Vice President of Commercial Strategy at Bloom Energy. “Bloom Energy is proud to work with companies like KeHE on sustainability efforts to reduce harmful air pollutants – one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide – while simultaneously helping them to secure cost-effective, resilient power.”
