QA Graphics continues to work with Hy-Vee, Inc., to provide interactive technology to help engage and educate consumers about the supermarket’s sustainability efforts.
QA Graphics has been working with Hy-Vee, an employee-owned corporation operating 236 supermarket and drugstores in eight Midwestern states, since 2010. Hy-Vee is working to more fully engage its customers, employees, and supply chain in its efforts to become more sustainable in how it builds, operates, and stocks its stores.
To meet its sustainability goals, Hy-Vee has prioritized its efforts around five key areas: green building, energy and resource conservation, waste reduction and recycling, products and sourcing, and packaging and the supply chain.
So what does this mean? All new stores are designed to achieve LEED certification, the U.S. Green Building Council’s nationally recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. New stores include many sustainable features, including concrete floors, extensive use of natural and highly efficient lighting, and on-site electric vehicle charging stations. Many energy monitoring and reduction strategies are used to enhance building energy efficiency. Programs are also in place for the recycling of various materials, including construction waste, store consumables, and a food recovery program in which a large amount of edible food is donated while inedible food is diverted from landfills. Hy-Vee is also increasing its focus on sourcing local, sustainable, natural, and organic products and recently announced its new responsible sourcing commitment (Responsible Choice) aimed at improving the sustainability of its seafood.