Headquarters Location
San Antonio, Texas

Contact:
Susan Ghertner
Environmental Affairs
Manager
(210) 938-6502
qhertner.susan@heb.com

Number of Employees:
60,000

Strategy Category:
Idling reduction

Number of Trailers:
2,400

Number of Power Units:
400
H-E-B is committed to conducting their business in an environmentally
responsible and sustainable manner. A bi-national company serving
Texas and northern Mexico with over 300 stores, manufacturing plants,
and warehouse and distribution centers, environmental ethics is interwoven
directly into H-E-B's retail business strategy. "The public expects companies to
be environmentally focused. Because of this, H-E-B continues to raise the bar
on environmental quality and standards," notes Susan Ghertner, environmental
affairs manager of H-E-B. Aside from internal commitments to environmental
growth, H-E-B has extended their environmental ethic into the communities
they serve. In honor of their 100th anniversary in 2005, the company donated
environmental GIS software to 40 middle-schools throughout Texas and planted
100 historic trees. In addition, they support environmental organizations and
programs in the communities they serve. H-E-B has also focused their
attention on recycling initiatives, water and energy conservation, energy
efficiency measures, and green building.

On average, each truck in the H-E-B fleet travels 150,000 miles per year.
Conserving fuel and cutting emissions are high priorities for H-E-B. "Our
anti-idling efforts have been the most appreciated by the public," claims
Ghertner. Aside from anti-idling efforts, H-E-B has implemented wide based
tires on their entire fleet of trucks and trailers, installed automatic tire inflation
devices, utilized low-friction lubricants, and have developed a speed
management program for drivers. Currently 60% of their Houston fleet is
fueling their trucks on liquefied natural gas. In addition, H-E-B has
implemented aerodynamic features such as reduced cab-trailer distance as well
as cab, roof, and side fairings on their fleet vehicles. H-E-B's use of
aerodynamic technology is expected to save 830,786 gallons of fuel and reduce
CO2 outputs by 9,222 tons in 2006. In total, H-E-B projects to save 5,471,434
gallons of fuel and reduce 60,733 tons of CO2 in 2006 due to their
implementation of SmartWay strategies. "HEB continues to stay progressive
by educating their drivers of new policies and fuel reduction strategies," notes
Ghertner.

SmartWay has had a valuable impact on H-E-B's business. "The SmartWay
FLEET model is a valuable tool for evaluating the fuel we are saving as well as
the emissions we are cutting, which offers
us a competitive advantage," notes
Ghertner. "SmartWay is a wonderful
opportunity to learn from other
businesses as well as unify them towards
a common goal," proclaims Ghertner.
Environmental efforts have also been
embraced by their employees. "Our
commitment to the environment is the
right thing to do and it makes sense
economically," concludes Ghertner.
www.epa.gov/smartway
EPA420-F-07-006

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