Starbucks Leads the Way with Greener Stores: A Sustainable Future Ahead
Starbucks has made significant progress in its commitment to sustainability, with almost 16 percent of its cafes classified as “Greener Stores” as of March. This is nearly double the number reported in April 2023, and the company aims to certify 10,000 locations worldwide by the end of 2025. The majority of these Greener Stores are in North America, with 5,488 cafes meeting the rigorous requirements for waste, energy, and water savings.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, all new Starbucks stores are built to Greener Stores specifications, and the company is considering expanding this initiative to other markets. In the U.S., Greener Stores practices have led to a 30 percent reduction in energy and water consumption, saving almost $60 million in annual operating costs. Starbucks’ larger corporate commitment is to reduce emissions, water usage, and landfill waste by 50 percent by 2030.
The Greener Stores framework was launched by Starbucks in September 2018, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund. Inspired by the LEED certification program, the Greener Stores initiative focuses on operational metrics in addition to low-carbon construction processes and design. Starbucks trains its employees through the Starbucks Global Academy to ensure that partners are equipped to implement sustainable practices in their stores.
To become a Greener Store, locations must pass an independent audit verifying investments and practices across eight environmental impact areas, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, water reduction technologies, and responsible materials selection. Starbucks locations recognized as Greener Stores of the Year, such as the cafe in Williamsburg, Virginia, showcase features like renewable electricity, on-site rainwater collection systems, and recycled wood furnishings.
The Greener Stores blueprint offered by Starbucks is becoming increasingly common among restaurant chains looking to enhance their sustainability programs. While larger corporations can justify the upfront costs of implementing sustainable technologies, smaller retail organizations may find it challenging to make these investments. Starbucks offers its Global Academy course for free to suppliers and other retailers interested in reducing the environmental impact of their operations.
Chief Sustainability Officer Michael Kobori emphasized the company’s desire for other retailers to adopt the Greener Stores standard and start implementing sustainable practices in their own establishments. With a focus on reducing energy consumption, waste, and water usage, Starbucks is leading the way in promoting environmental stewardship within the food and beverage industry.