Therm Solutions, Inc., an innovator in food supply chain decarbonization, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking project aimed at tackling food waste at its source: grocery stores.
This first-of-its-kind initiative, listed on Verra’s VCS Registry, focuses on diverting edible food from landfills to donation centers. Spanning seven U.S. states, the project involves over 1,300 grocery retail locations and 18 food distribution centers.
“Decarbonizing the food supply chain by targeting food waste at its source—grocery stores—is a major opportunity for both people and planet,” said Fritz Troller, CEO and co-founder of Therm. “Food waste is a complex problem for the industry, and historically grocers haven’t had a climate-friendly, cost-effective solution. Through carbon credits, Therm empowers grocers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit their operations, the environment, and the American people.”
Combating Food Waste Through Carbon Credits
The project is expected to generate over 112,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mTCO2e) annually in carbon credits. These credits incentivize grocers to increase their edible food donations, providing a financial reward for environmentally responsible actions.
“Food waste is a major environmental and humanitarian challenge,” Troller added. “Historically, cost-effective solutions haven’t been readily available to the grocery industry. Therm’s carbon credit program empowers grocers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit their business, the environment, and the communities they serve.”
The Scope of Food Waste
The project addresses a critical issue in the U.S. In 2022, nearly 38% of the nation’s food supply went to waste, while millions faced hunger. When discarded in landfills, this food generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing food waste is essential for a more sustainable future.
Unique Challenges for Grocery Retailers
Traditional solutions for food waste reduction are often costly and logistically complex for grocery stores. Disjointed supply chains and established practices often make discarding food seem easier than implementing sustainable alternatives.
Therm’s approach provides a critical incentive for food donation, bridging a major gap in the industry while benefiting local communities.
Therm: Empowering Grocery Stores of All Sizes
Therm recognizes the vital role grocery stores, regardless of size, can play in combating climate change. Their initiative offers participation opportunities to stores nationwide, allowing them to generate carbon credits through food waste reduction and adoption of climate-friendly refrigeration solutions.
Therm is spearheading a new industry standard, making climate-conscious and community-focused actions a financially advantageous choice for grocery retailers.
