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Transportation & Facilities

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Transportation

Since 2013, Tractor Supply has been a SmartWay Transport partner. SmartWay Transport is a public-private initiative between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, large and small trucking companies, rail carriers, logistics companies, commercial manufacturers, retailers, and other federal and state agencies. Its purpose is to improve fuel efficiency and the environmental performance (reduction of both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution) of supply chains. As a SmartWay partner, TSC has a direct link to other organizations and is able to manage its business by using those carriers. Tractor Supply has also integrated the use of intermodal, or rail, transportation when appropriate, which has taken trucks off the road. Rail is better for the environment primarily because it is much more fuel efficient than trucks. In 2019, Tractor Supply was one of 30 companies recognized as a SmartWay High Performer based on the sustainable performance of Tractor Supply’s shipping and freight operations.

Improving transportation efficiency is an ongoing focus for Tractor Supply. While our partnerships and systems have been able to significantly reduce diesel fuel consumption and pollution, the company will continue to implement new practices to reduce its environmental impact as it serves customers across the country.

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facilities

Facilities

Over the last decade, Tractor Supply has implemented multiple projects that have transformed every TSC store into a sustainable outpost, making a significant impact on the environment and our company’s bottom line. Without energy conservation measures (ECMs) adopted in 2012, Tractor Supply would have consumed approximately 60% more energy in 2018. Projects that contributed to these significant energy savings include:

  • In 2016, Tractor Supply launched the LED lighting retrofit project to convert all interior and exterior lights to LED. By 2018, over 1,440 Tractor Supply stores had converted to LED lighting, with all new stores being similarly outfitted. The LED program has been a win-win for the Company because it accomplishes our goal of positively impacting the environment while improving our bottom line.
  • In-store HVAC units have been converted to newer, more efficient models that have high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), reducing costs and electricity and gas consumption, as well as the need for repairs. Because of the Company’s plans to replace a large number of units, we implemented a phased roll-out, replacing the oldest and least efficient units first.
  • That win-win philosophy of benefitting both the environment and company’s bottom line also drives our energy purchasing program, which now includes a considerable amount of renewable energy in its portfolio. For years, purchasing renewable energy, such as solar, wind or biomass, didn’t make financial sense. But advances in technology have shifted that opportunity, allowing Tractor Supply to contract with suppliers in deregulated markets to ensure a certain percentage of renewable energy exists within the annual volume purchased by the Company.
  • Energy Management Systems (EMS) have been added to over 1,740 stores to control lighting, heating and cooling remotely to optimize energy usage and comfort.

To learn more about our stores’ journey to sustainability, read this article from our 2018 Stewardship Report.