US Foods looks to save more than 2 million kWh in 2011 by retrofitting lighting throughout company

Nevin Barich

ROSEMONT, Illinois , December 12, 2011 (press release) – US Foods, one of the country's most innovative food companies and distributors, today announced it will save more than 2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in 2011 by retrofitting lighting throughout the company. The energy saved is enough to fully power 174* American homes for one year.

"As we continue our commitment to sustainable practices that reduce energy consumption, we've realized that even small improvements can add up to impactful savings," said John Jepsen, director of energy management, US Foods. "Our new energy efficient lighting is another step in our company-wide goal to reduce energy usage and meet customers' needs in an environmentally responsible way."

In addition to retrofitting older lighting fixtures and installing energy-efficient, high-intensity fluorescent lights, the company added motion sensors to previously retrofitted fixtures.

"We're exploring many more opportunities for energy savings throughout the company," Jepsen said. "Projects already slated for 2012 are expected to reduce our energy use by another 3 million kilowatt hours and further reduce our environmental footprint."

Since 2007, US Foods has decreased its overall energy use by approximately 8 percent, or 34 million kWh, through lighting retrofits alone.

US Foods was one of the first in the Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. portfolio to join the Green Portfolio Program in 2008, helping to design and pilot the framework. The company strives to reduce the environmental impact of its operations by continually investing in infrastructure, technology and protocols that help eliminate vehicle emissions and increase energy efficiency at its distribution centers.

*Average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer provided by U.S. Energy Information Administration.

About US Foods
With nearly $19 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America, and a leading foodservice distributor. Many of the entities that make up US Foods were founded in the 19th century, including one that sold provisions to travelers heading west during the 1850s gold rush. US Foods offers more than 350,000 national brand products and its own high-quality "exclusive brand" items, ranging from fresh meats and produce to prepared and frozen foods. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide, and provides the finest quality food and related products to more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoods.com.

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