The Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG) released its newest Vision Report addressing sustainable store design. The report features an executive summary of the conversation, the full meeting transcript, and additional resources for further exploration of the topic.
CLVG’s April 18, 2024 quarterly virtual meeting featured a presentation by James Owens, vice president of retail architecture, and Aksel Solberg, development design studio lead, both from HFA Architecture and Engineering, on practical solutions for sustainable construction practices including cost-effective strategies while enhancing operational efficiency. Following the presentation, CLVG members had the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives.
The discussion emphasized the balance between sustainability and return on investment, weighing the ROI of sustainability efforts and the potential for long-term gains through energy savings and incentives. Additionally, there was a consensus on the importance of honest communication and the risks associated with greenwashing.
Key takeaways in the report include:
A Balancing Act for Sustainability vs. ROI
CLVG members shared a range of perspectives on present and future sustainability activities, mindful of internal and external customer motivations. Some shared that they have been performing operational practices that are just ‘good for business,’ but not necessarily with sustainability as the motivation.
“Everything’s about moderation,” starts Tony Miller, president of Delek Retail. “And I think, yes, we sell gasoline and we have plastic changing tables, but what are some of the things that we can do? And I think if we all just open up our eyes, I think we can take some steps forward. We’re always going to be the guy that’s got that target on our back no matter what we do because of what we’re selling in front of our stores.”
The 80/20 Rule and Customer Opinion
The discussion emphasized balancing sustainability with practicality and cost-effectiveness, employing the 80/20 rule to prioritize impactful initiatives. While sustainable practices are increasingly integrated into operations, effective communication with customers remains imperative.
“I do think that there’s quite a few things that we retailers are doing today without the goal of specifically being sustainable, and just doing it because it’s good business,” said Mark Samuels, EVP of convenience retailing for Dash In/The Wills Group
Telling the Sustainability Story and Greenwashing
Members generally agreed on the importance of effectively communicating sustainability efforts to customers, citing examples of successful promotion from various companies. While Generation Z and Millennials are particularly conscious of sustainability, concerns about greenwashing and customer satisfaction were raised, emphasizing the need for honesty in business practices and a pragmatic approach.
As Scott Hartman, President and CEO of Rutter’s said: “Greenwashing is all over the place and I really don’t like it. I see people doing it. I see people bragging about how great they are in some of these things and the reality is, it’s a very complicated place to measure and to hang my hat on something that I know is good, I know it’s a good answer, but to try to then go to the public and tell them that I just saved 80% of energy savings in my store, unless I can truly hang my hat on that, I’m not really the type who likes to go out and do that.”
Lightning Round Update on Labor Retention and Recruitment
The meeting also revisited a previous CLVG discussion regarding c-stores becoming an employer of choice for job seekers. Updates from Nouria Energy Corporation, Delek Retail, and Rutter’s underscored initiatives in leadership programs, employee value propositions, rewards, and recognition, highlighting the pivotal role of store managers in fostering positive work environments and addressing labor-related challenges.
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About Convenience Leaders Vision Group
Convenience Leaders Vision Group brings together convenience retail icons and trailblazers through quarterly virtual meetings. During these sessions, members identify trends, challenges and disruptions in retail as well as possible solutions and opportunities. The group is committed to sharing its views and perspectives in order to advance the convenience retailing and mobility industry. CLVG operates under the Vision Group Network, which gathers the collective knowledge and ideas of its members to create a legacy of sharing within the retail community.
For more information about CLVG visit tvgsolutions.com/CLVG or contact us.
About Vision Group Network
The Vision Group Network (VGN) brings together, in virtual group meetings, great minds and leaders from all parts of the retail and foodservice industries to create a knowledge base consisting of experience and innovative ideas. The mixture of perspectives, real world experiences and collaboration during VGN’s Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG), Convenience Technology Vision Group (CTVG) and The Vision Group (TVG) meetings provide valuable insights and actionable programs that allow its members to maximize their business opportunities. Electric Vehicles Vision Group (evVG) is planned for a 2024 launch.
