Sobeys Inc. Releases First Sustainability Report

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - Sobeys Inc. today released its first annual Sustainability@Sobeys report, outlining the Company's long-term sustainability strategy, including reduction targets and progress to date.

The report highlights initiatives introduced by the Company with a goal of improving environmental performance through responsible business practices, in the best interest of customers, employees, the Company and the communities it serves.

"Our goal is to integrate a stronger sustainability mindset and performance culture within our day-to-day business activities," said Bill McEwan, president and chief executive officer, Sobeys Inc. "It is not an initiative separate from our core strategy; it's a deliberate and thoughtful process that balances the needs of our business with what we must do to address environmental and social impacts across the country and our international supply chain."

"We're pleased and encouraged by the progress we have made to date. While we do not have all the answers today, we are committed to building upon our existing initiatives with the implementation of our long-term sustainability strategy, and to demonstrating continuous improvement year-over-year," McEwan continued.

To advance its sustainability efforts, Sobeys has introduced various environmentally-focused practices that include:

    
    - Establishing targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15%
      and total waste production by 30% by 2013.
    - Creating Sustainability Share Groups to share best practices and
      accelerate evaluation and adoption of new technologies and solutions
      in its warehousing, logistics and retail store operations across the
      country.
    - Defining common measurement metrics and deploying tools for easier
      data capture, tracking, and reporting.
    - Participating in Canadian, U.S. and international industry
      organizations to help identify and adopt industry-wide sustainability
      initiatives.
    

"Sustainability@Sobeys is grounded with clear goals and action plans that can make a real difference in reducing our environmental impact," said David Smith , vice president, retail strategy and sustainability, Sobeys Inc. "We recognize that to be truly successful in reaching these goals we need to involve our customers, employees and communities in identifying and pursuing sustainability solutions that make good environmental and business sense."

For more information about Sustainability@Sobeys and to read the report, visit www.sobeyscorporate.com/sustainability.

About Sobeys Inc.

Sobeys Inc. is a leading national grocery retailer and food distributor headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises more than 1,300 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, IGA, Foodland, Price Chopper and Thrifty Foods, as well as Lawtons Drug Stores. Sobeys Inc. is committed to providing the most worthwhile experience for its customers, employees, franchisees, suppliers and shareholders. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.

For further information: Barbara McCully, Director, Communications, Sobeys Inc., [phone], [email protected]