For the sixth year in a row, ALDI has earned top recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) GreenChill Store Certification Program, highlighting its leadership in reducing refrigerant emissions. ALDI achieved more GreenChill certifications at the prestigious platinum level—the highest attainable—than any other U.S. grocery chain, marking the third consecutive year of this impressive feat. The EPA also recognized 164 ALDI stores in 23 states with the GreenChill Store Re-Certification Excellence Award, celebrating five years of consistent platinum-level performance.
Through the GreenChill Program, ALDI has reduced refrigerant emissions to around half the industry average, delivering substantial environmental benefits. As part of an ambitious pledge, ALDI aims to transition to natural refrigerants across all U.S. stores by the end of 2035. Currently, over 700 ALDI stores nationwide are using eco-friendly refrigerants, effectively cutting potential carbon emissions by 60% each year. These sustainable refrigeration practices are integral to ALDI’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050.
Dan Gavin, ALDI’s Vice President of National Real Estate, explained, “ALDI’s smaller store footprints, removal of plastic shopping bags, and shift to natural refrigeration exemplify our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. This EPA award reaffirms our mission to make sustainability accessible and affordable.” ALDI’s efforts to tailor refrigeration systems to regional climates also contributed to the recognition. For instance, an ALDI store in Decatur, GA, which operates in a warm, humid climate, earned a five-year Store Re-Certification Excellence recognition for its pioneering use of CO2 refrigeration systems.
Bella Maranion, Senior Advisor in EPA’s Stratospheric Protection Division, added, “ALDI has set a new standard, achieving 164 GreenChill Recertifications among its 611 certified stores this year, showcasing its unwavering commitment to environmental innovation.”
ALDI also released its 2023 Sustainability Progress Report, detailing advances in five key areas:
- Reducing Emissions: ALDI piloted new deli case doors in 55 stores, reducing energy usage by 25% and lowering emissions. Additionally, waste heat recovery from refrigeration systems now powers HVAC units in several stores, boosting energy efficiency.
- Improving Packaging: ALDI has removed plastic bags from all U.S. stores and introduced packaging that uses more recycled content. Packaging innovations include recyclable fiber-based alternatives, helping to reduce plastic waste.
- Minimizing Waste: ALDI donated 39 million pounds of food to Feeding America and other charities, equivalent to 32.5 million meals. It also increased food sent to composting and anaerobic digestion facilities by over 22%, enhancing waste management.
- Sourcing Responsibly: ALDI has accelerated efforts to eliminate deforestation in high-priority supply chains, contributing to biodiversity and climate protection. By 2025, ALDI aims to source 100% of its private-label coffee responsibly.
- Supporting Communities: ALDI has expanded its partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Hope Chicago to provide educational and community support. By the end of 2023, ALDI had contributed over $6 million to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, reaching 60% of its goal of $10 million by 2027.
As one of the fastest-growing grocery retailers in the U.S., ALDI is dedicated to offering high-quality, affordable products while championing sustainability. This year, ALDI also retained its #1 ranking for “Everyday Low Price” in the dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index, underscoring its unique value proposition.