Two of Roundy’s Pick ’n Save locations in McFarland and DeForest, Wis., are among the first grocery stores in the state to achieve “Green Grocer” certification from the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA), which is spearheading a pilot program to help grocery stores in achieve energy savings, sustainability and environmental standards.

Brandon Scholz, president and CEO of Madison-based WGA, commended Roundy’s aggressive implementation of “energy-efficiency measures to save energy [and] money,” adding that the stores were receiving “deserved recognition for their efforts.”

WGA launched the Green Grocer certification pilot program in 10 grocery stores within Wisconsin Power and Light’s utility service territory. WPL’s “Shared Savings” business energy-efficiency improvement financing program and its network of strategic account managers helped the grocery stores achieve certification. Businesses working with WPL’s Shared Savings can receive 2 percent to 3 percent financing, depending upon the technology used to upgrade and install energy-efficient equipment, and, in turn, save money and conserve energy with little to no upfront investment.

“As we remodel our existing stores and build new ones, we are committed to incorporating energy efficient features so we can reduce our carbon emissions,” said Bob Mariano, chairman of Milwaukee-based Roundy’s.

The voluntary program is designed to reduce operating costs, conserve natural resources and recognize stores making a commitment to increased environmental performance. Stores are required to conserve energy and recycle plastic bags.

The Pick ’n Save grocery stores achieved Green Grocer certification by going through a rigorous analysis process, which generated a list of possible environmental and energy-efficiency improvements ranging from energy use, waste, water use and air pollution to promoting local and organic food. As part of their renovation, the two stores included more than 50 energy and environmental features.

WGA’s Green Grocer program, which won the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency, is administered by Better Environmental Solutions, a Madison-based environmental consulting firm.

“The McFarland and DeForest Pick ’n Saves and WGA’s Green Grocer program show that businesses can reduce their costs [and] emissions, and improve service with energy efficiency,” said Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle. “This shows one concrete way for Wisconsin to be a leader in creating a green economy.”

For more information, visit www.wigreengrocer.com/.