The Kroger Co. has been honored for its efforts to reduce its energy consumption as well as broaden the diversity of its supplier base.

Kroger received the Alliance to Save Energy’s top award, the “Galaxy” Star of Energy Efficiency, at the organization’s recent annual awards dinner.

“This is a real tribute to Kroger's 339,000 associates who bring our energy saving programs to life every day,” said David B. Dillon, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “We will continue to work tirelessly in all areas of our business to reduce energy consumption.”

Kroger utilizes a variety of practices to increase energy efficiency, employing technology such as LED lights and engaging store associates in energy saving initiatives. As a result, Kroger has reduced its energy use by 32 percent since the year 2000, which the Cincinnati-based grocer claims is enough electricity to power every single-family home in Columbus, Ohio, for one year. These initiatives have also saved Kroger more than $100 million per year in energy costs.

Meanwhile, Kroger has qualified for membership in the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Million Dollar Club for the third consecutive year.

Introduced by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2010, the Million Dollar Club recognizes corporations that are leaders in supplier diversity and integrating Hispanic business enterprises into their strategic sourcing and procurement process. Corporations qualify by spending between $25 million to more than $500 million with Hispanic suppliers in the previous year.

“Our partnerships with diverse suppliers help us meet our customers’ needs and create employment opportunities in the local communities we serve,” said Reuben Shaffer, Kroger’s chief diversity officer.

Kroger currently spends more than $1 billion annually with diversity businesses and remains a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable. In addition, Kroger’s director of corporate supplier diversity, Denise Thomas, was recently named a 2012 Top 30 Champion of Diversity by DiversityPlus Magazine in recognition of her leadership in growing women and minority-owned business enterprises.

Kroger operates 2,425 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.

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