Recognized with SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Award
WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation was recognized today on Earth Day by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with its 2014 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge award. The EPA recognized NRF for supporting policies and practices that reduce truck emissions and enhance freight efficiency.
“The SmartWay program is a valuable resource for retailers looking for new ways to build leaner and greener supply chains,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Our members are very conscious of the fact that the retail industry is a key link in the supply chain and are making smart and sustainable choices to reduce their carbon footprint.”
The SmartWay Affiliate Challenge is a national challenge developed by the EPA to acknowledge organizations that do an exceptional job supporting the partnership’s freight sustainability goals.
NRF held a session titled “The Smart Way to Carbon Accounting in the Supply Chain” at its 2013 Global Supply Chain Summit. The session focused on the benefits of the SmartWay program and how businesses can reduce their overall supply chain carbon footprint.
“I commend the National Retail Federation for its level of commitment, enthusiasm and creativity in promoting EPA’s SmartWay program and sustainable transportation” EPA Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality Chris Grundler said. “NRF’s work in this arena brings us all closer to achieving the shared goals of clean freight and clean air.”
EPA has recognized NRF and other affiliates on the SmartWay website, in the SmartWay E-news letter and in industry trade publications as part of its Earth Day activities.
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. www.nrf.com.