Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Renewable Energy
• Energy Conservation
• Emissions Reductions
• Water Conservation
• Waste Reduction
• Sustainable Design
• Community Engagement
• Humanitarian Aid

Environmental Achievements

• Opened LEED® Gold certified facility in York, PA, consuming only 16% more electricity than a smaller, older facility despite being 175% larger.
• Installed solar photovoltaic arrays in Rocklin, CA; Dayville, CT; and Providence, RI, generating renewable energy and reducing CO2 emissions.
• Reduced energy consumption through daylight sensors, motion-activated lighting, and IT data center consolidation.
• Achieved a 3% renewable energy share in 2009.
• Reduced water consumption in LEED-certified buildings (Ridgefield, WA and York, PA) compared to similar facilities.
• Implemented a company-wide ink cartridge recycling program.
• Reduced water consumption by over 40% in Ridgefield, WA and York, PA distribution centers.
• Reduced energy consumption by almost 30% in Ridgefield, WA and over 25% in York, PA compared to similar buildings.
• Chesterfield, NH distribution center awarded Energy Star rating for energy efficiency.

Social Achievements

• Launched a national Hybrid Vehicle Incentive Program, contributing $3,000 towards hybrid vehicle purchases for associates.
• Established Helping Hands Committees in all facilities to support community activities.
• Raised $37,000 for the American Cancer Society through participation in Relay for Life.
• Distributed Vitamin A supplements to children in the Dominican Republic through Vitamin Angels.
• Funded a well in Anse-a-Pitre, Haiti, providing access to clean drinking water.
• Funded a Kids Backpack Program in Mississippi, providing food for children on weekends and vacations.
• Donated $6.5 million (wholesale) in product to fight hunger.

Governance Achievements

• Relocated corporate headquarters to a LEED® Silver-certified building in Providence, RI, part of an urban brownfield revitalization project.
• Joined the EPA Climate Leaders Program, committing to greenhouse gas emissions inventory, reduction goals, and annual reporting.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improving water conservation across all facilities.
• Establishing a nationalized waste reduction program.

Mitigation Strategies

• Joined EPA Climate Leaders Program to set reduction goals and track progress.
• Established metrics to compare water consumption across facilities and plan for future improvements.
• Investigating creative waste solutions and working to establish a nationalized partner for waste reduction.

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environmental Sustainability
• Social Responsibility
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions to 132,996 MT CO2e in 2010 (compared to 133,252 MT CO2e in 2009).
• Avoided 4,190 metric tons of CO2 through green power purchases.
• Reduced route miles and increased fuel efficiency.
• Opened a fourth LEED® certified facility in Lancaster, Texas.
• Reduced carbon emissions by nearly 132 metric tons annually in Sarasota through hydrogen fuel cell lift trucks.
• York, PA distribution center earned ENERGY STAR designation, reducing energy consumption by 63%.
• Lancaster, TX distribution center achieved LEED® certification, reducing energy consumption by almost 30%.

Social Achievements

• National partnership with Feeding America, donating over $5.2 million (wholesale) in product.
• Associate volunteer days resulting in significant community contributions (e.g., International Coastal Cleanup, Habitat for Humanity).
• Company-wide support for various charities (e.g., American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation).
• Increased associate discount on co-op benefits to encourage healthier eating.

Governance Achievements

• Established national energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies using Hara Environmental and Energy Management software.
• Participation in EPA's Green Power Partnership and SmartWay Transportation Program.
• Submission of GHG inventory to the EPA Climate Leaders Program (later transitioned to Carbon Disclosure Project).

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Supply chain disruptions (implied by the need for alternative sourcing strategies).

Mitigation Strategies

• Developed alternative sourcing strategies (implied).

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement

• Strict standards for natural protein suppliers (antibiotic-free, no growth hormones, etc.).
• Fair Trade products.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Not disclosed

Transition Risks

• Not disclosed

Opportunities

• Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Null

Certifications: LEED, ENERGY STAR

Third-party Assurance: EPA contracted 3rd party service

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Natural protein products with sustainable sourcing and packaging.

Awards & Recognition

• Roadnet / PeopleNet Roadie Award

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environmental Sustainability
• Social Responsibility
• Philanthropy
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced carbon dioxide emissions (stabilized despite growth, due to initiatives like reduced driver idle time and increased MPG)
• 27% of total electricity from Green-e Certified sources
• Renewable energy from solar panels equivalent to 205 homes off the grid
• Recycled 2500 tons of cardboard, saving 115,000 gallons of oil
• Increased fuel economy by 4.4% year over year, reducing fuel consumption by 320,000 gallons
• Reduced miles per route from 418 to 400
• Installed APUs in sleeper tractors to reduce idling
• Implemented sustainable design elements in facilities (e.g., solar panels, CNG trucks, LEED certifications)

Social Achievements

• Partnered with Vitamin Angels to provide vitamins to expectant mothers and children in developing countries
• Created the UNFI Foundation to support organic sustainable agriculture and healthy food choices
• Supported Fair Trade initiatives for banana growers in Ecuador and Peru
• Donated 20 laptops to quinoa farmers in Bolivia
• Participated in Clifbar's “In Good Company” program to build a home for a family on the Hopi Reservation
• Partnered with Feeding America to provide millions of pounds of food to member agencies
• Donated over $4 million in food and monetary donations
• Provided nutritional supplements and food for over 1,000 seniors
• Donated over 490,000 pounds of food in North Texas
• Volunteered 3,724 hours for local charitable projects

Governance Achievements

• Integrated corporate social responsibility and sustainability into business platforms
• Focused on accountability, transparency, and engagement

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from business operations
• Supporting sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices
• Addressing hunger in America
• Providing access to nutritious food for at-risk populations

Mitigation Strategies

• Investing in Green-e Certified projects, community wind projects, and low impact hydrogen projects
• Partnering with Bonneville Environmental Foundation to purchase renewable energy credits
• Implementing initiatives to reduce driver idle time and increase MPG
• Investing in training and education in routing and on-board technologies
• Installing APUs in sleeper tractors
• Implementing sustainable design elements in facilities
• Supporting various organizations that promote sustainable agriculture, fair trade, and organic farming practices
• Partnering with Feeding America and other organizations to fight hunger
• Creating the UNFI Foundation to support various initiatives

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Supporting Fair Trade suppliers

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Sustainability
• Biodiversity
• Community
• Research and Education
• Hunger/Nutrition Education

Environmental Achievements

• Installation of solar panel arrays, among the largest in their respective states, avoiding thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reduced CO2 emissions by 5% in 5 years (goal set in 2010).
• Avoided 98,519 gallons of diesel fuel through increased fuel efficiency.
• Avoided 312,000 miles per year and 47,416 diesel fuel gallons due to rerouting project in Moreno Valley, CA.
• Avoided 17,366 metric tons of CO2e through the use of rail instead of trucks for inbound loads.
• 51.74% of electricity for US facilities came from green power in 2012 (up from 23.76% in 2011).
• Multiple LEED® certified buildings and pursuing LEED® certification on several new projects.

Social Achievements

• Food donations totaling $7,838,677.
• More than 100 UNFI associates participated in 8 Habitat for Humanity projects, contributing 720 volunteer hours.
• First annual charity golf tournament raised $80,000 for Capital City Community Centers.
• Associates contributed more than 5,000 hours of community service.
• Supported Farmer Veteran Coalition, providing training and education to veterans starting organic farms.
• Partnered with In Good Company for wetland restoration efforts.
• Revamped greenhouses at Ralph Bunche High School in West Oakland, increasing capacity by 63% and supplying 25,000 pounds of fresh produce to 170 families.
• Supported Growing Great, a nutritional education organization reaching over 30,170 students.

Governance Achievements

• Participated in the CDP Climate Change questionnaire, receiving a score of 70 out of 100 on disclosure completeness and a C for performance.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Reducing carbon footprint
• Water risk in supplier locations

Mitigation Strategies

• Installation of Eco-Flaps, Roadnet software, PeopleNet technology for route optimization and efficient driving.
• Water risk assessment to identify and mitigate risks in susceptible growing areas; working with suppliers to scale production according to water availability and strict regulations; cultivating long-term relationships with suppliers to shift buying to growers in lower-risk areas or to other commodities.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Working with suppliers who scale production according to water availability and strict regulations within their areas.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Philanthropy
• Sustainability
• Volunteerism
• Food Donation
• Green Building
• Fleet Efficiency
• Recycling
• Renewable Energy
• Product Integrity (Organic, Non-GMO, Fair Trade)

Environmental Achievements

• 2.1% year-over-year improvement in fleet fuel efficiency
• 25% year-over-year improvement in diversion from landfills
• 17,390 tons recycled or diverted from landfills
• 6% year-over-year reduction in electricity usage intensity
• 4 million kWh of renewable energy generated by solar arrays
• Avoided 2,785 metric tons of CO2 through solar energy
• 67% of operational waste diverted from landfill
• Avoided 30,608 metric tons of CO2e by using rail instead of trucks for inbound loads

Social Achievements

• 13,600 volunteer hours donated by associates
• $294,618 donated to nonprofits
• 12,305,200 pounds of food donated
• $97,478 donated by associates through payroll deductions
• $126,596 donated by associates to UNFI Associate Relief Fund

Governance Achievements

• Increased the total number of organic SKUs sold by 16%
• Shipped 21% more units of organic products compared to 13% overall growth
• Sales dollars grew by 27% for organic compared to 20% overall

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Reducing the environmental impact of the fleet (largest source of emissions)
• Waste reduction
• Increasing organic product sales

Mitigation Strategies

• Improving fleet fuel efficiency
• Investing in renewable energy (solar panels)
• Improving recycling rates
• Using rail for inbound logistics
• Incentivizing associates to purchase hybrid vehicles
• Increasing organic product offerings

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Supporting organic and Fair Trade products

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Sustainability
• Environment
• Associates
• Communities
• Customers
• Climate Change
• Waste Reduction
• Transportation
• Animal Welfare
• Food Safety
• Community Engagement
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Employee Well-being
• Workplace Safety

Environmental Achievements

• 2.5% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions
• 81% of waste diverted from landfill
• Installation of new 792 kW solar array in Gilroy, CA
• 712,000 MWh generated in on-site renewable energy

Social Achievements

• 10 million meals donated through Feeding America’s network of food banks
• Launched Women’s Leadership Network
• $553,107 donated to nonprofits in 18 U.S. states
• 8,880 hours volunteered by Helping Hands Committees
• $120,000 donated by our Helping Hands Committees to local non-profits
• New Adoption and Maternity Leave Policies announced
• 73.6% associate participation rate in the 2017 Wellness Program

Governance Achievements

• Formed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Steering Committee
• 50% of independent Board of Directors members are female
• UNFI was recognized as a 2020 Women on Boards Winning Company

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Transportation systems upgrades and integration of new business units resulted in a decrease of 0.13 MPG in fuel efficiency.

Mitigation Strategies

• Investing in fleet efficiency through cycling, software improvements, automatic transmissions, and refrigeration unit upgrades.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement

• Expectation of suppliers to meet internationally accepted “Five Freedoms” for animals
• 98% of eggs distributed are cage-free

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Not disclosed

Transition Risks

• Not disclosed

Opportunities

• Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI Standards

Certifications: SQF (Safe Quality Foods) certification in 88% of distribution centers

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Not disclosed

Awards & Recognition

• 2017 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers list

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Governance
• Responsible Procurement
• Community Development
• Climate Action
• Waste Reduction
• Associate Safety & Well-Being
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Energy Efficiency
• Customer Health & Safety

Environmental Achievements

• 3% reduction in combined scope 1 and 2 emissions against FY19 baseline
• 2% reduction in energy consumption year-over-year
• 28% reduction in energy intensity in distribution centers (8.95 MWh/$M from 12.25 MWh/$M)
• 48% of waste diverted from landfill (increased to 58% due to improved tracking)
• 8,813 tons of food waste sent to landfill/incineration (reduction from 11,921 tons in 2019)
• Added 53 solar-powered electric trailers to the fleet in California

Social Achievements

• Launched a new ‘Missions’ platform to engage associates in ESG issues
• Revamped supplier diversity program
• Launched four new associate-led Belonging & Innovation Groups (BIGs)
• Added 16 hours of paid time for associates to engage in D&I activities
• 54,878,802 lbs of food donated
• Received the 2021 Community Uplift Award for the CUB Foods Northside Community Center

Governance Achievements

• Created an Executive Steering Committee to oversee ESG programs
• Added 2 new goals related to Diversity & Inclusion
• 94% of associates completed Code of Conduct training
• Received a “B” score on 2021 CDP Climate Change response

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Supply chain issues
• Labor shortages
• Racial justice reckoning
• Growing number of natural disasters
• COVID-19 pandemic
• Lower than hoped waste diversion rate (due to better tracking)
• Difficulty in calculating Scope 3 emissions
• Food waste
• Labor shortages impacting turnover and retention

Mitigation Strategies

• Holistic view of value chain
• Elevated diversity and inclusion efforts
• Investment in climate-smart technology (solar-powered trailers)
• Improved tracking systems for waste
• Development of a Climate Action Guide for Business
• Pursuing science-based targets
• Strengthening management methods
• Engaging with value chain partners
• Increased distribution center associate wages
• Implementation of new incentives, daily pay, enhanced health benefits, and select time programs

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Supplier and Vendor Code of Conduct
• Use of 142 standards and 52 third-party certifications to evaluate suppliers
• Revamped supplier diversity program

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Extreme weather
• Droughts
• Melting glaciers

Transition Risks

• Regulatory changes
• Market shifts

Opportunities

• Development of energy-efficient products
• Investment in zero-emission technologies

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, TCFD, UN SDGs

Certifications: LEED, SQF, Ecolab

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
• Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
• Goal 13 (Climate Action)

Initiatives contribute to these goals through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and emissions reduction efforts

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Solar-powered electric trailers

Awards & Recognition

• 2021 Community Uplift Award
• 2020 Golden Bridge Business and Innovation Awards (Gold winner)