Sep 27, 2010 10:19 AM

United Natural Foods Inc (Nasdaq: UNFI) has extended its commitment to using renewable energy by purchasing 6,200 megawatt-hours of electricity and renewable energy from EcoElectrons Renewable Energy for its new Lancaster TX distribution facility.

This purchase is expected to reduce carbon emissions at the Lancaster facility by about 4,500 metric tons, the equivalent of nearly 10,400 barrels of oil, and complements UNFI’s effort to obtain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for the 590,000-square-foot facility. EcoElectrons Renewable Energy specializes in supplying green power to organizations through renewable energy credits.

The renewable energy purchased by UNFI is certified by Green-e Energy, which provides independent, third-party certification to ensure renewable energy meets strict environmental and consumer protection standards.

UNFI produces more than 2 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually through solar electric systems installed at its Rocklin CA and Dayville CT facilities. It also uses 100% green power in its Ridgefield WA distribution facility and is also member of the EPA’s Green Power Partnership. This voluntary program encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use.

The Lancaster distribution center is 15 miles south of downtown Dallas at the intersection of Interstates 20 and 35. It will support UNFI customers and retailers throughout the Southwest including Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

Visit www.unfi.com for complete information.