26 October 2007 — Delray Beach (FL): Office Depot has received the environmental excellence award from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Depot was recognised by the agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership for its leadership in conserving energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from its transportation and freight activities. In one year, Depot reduced its greenhouse gas emissions from the transport of products to customers and stores by 9.4 percent.
Some of the initiatives employed by Depot to achieve this include ending the year 2006 with more than 400 ultra low-emission Sprinter vans in its fleet of delivery vehicles and saving approximately 1.25 million gallons of fuel by using inter-modal transportation – combining ships, railroads and trucks – instead of strictly utilising over-the-road transportation.
Mark Cartwright, VP of transportation for the retailer, said: "Our partnership with SmartWay Transport demonstrates that companies do have the opportunity to implement initiatives that are both environmentally and financially beneficial. Through our introduction of a wide range of environmental initiatives, including our fuel-efficient delivery fleet, Office Depot has secured a leadership role in the industry."
