Sobeys Atlantic implemented a multi-faceted energy conservation program called “Make a Difference Everyday”. The program’s goal is to reduce electrical energy consumption in 2009 in all Sobeys banner stores in Atlantic Canada by 5% over 2008 total consumption.

An important element of the program is the focus on employee energy conservation awareness. Through DVD, print materials and face-to-face discussions highlighting the environmental and cost saving benefits of energy conservation, actions that employees can take to reduce energy consumption at their stores are identified.

The region’s engineering department tracks each store’s energy consumption and provides the store managers with monthly and quarterly progress reports. The store managers track their store’s progress on a “Make a Difference Everyday” poster, which enables the stores’ employees to keep track of their store’s energy conservation progress.

Each month, the store with the largest energy reduction receives a $100 cash prize that is directed to the store’s social fund. At the end of the program, the store with the greatest annual energy reduction will receive a $2,000 cash prize for their social fund, a “green” prize package for each employee, and $5,000 that store staff can donate to a charity of their choice.

Preliminary results indicate that Sobeys Atlantic will surpass the program’s 5% energy reduction goal.