FreshDirect CEO and co-founder Jason Ackerman, Director of Fleet Operations Michael Derrig, & FreshDirect Transportation employees hold the 2015 EPA NEDC Breathe Easy Leadership Award
FreshDirect recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for investments in technologies to significantly reduce its carbon footprint throughout the Northeast.
FreshDirect was named winner of the 2015 Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC) Breathe Easy Leadership Award by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its efforts to significantly reduce diesel emissions and promote clean transportation in the Northeast.
Over the past two years FreshDirect has made significant investments in new technologies to reduce its carbon footprint including purchasing all-electric, hybrid-electric, and clean diesel vehicles. Now serving communities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut, FreshDirect is being applauded for its aggressive actions to move its fleet to clean diesel and alternative fuel based vehicles.
“We are thrilled to accept the NEDC Breathe Easy Leadership Award,” said Jason Ackerman, co-founder and CEO of FreshDirect. “We work hard to reduce our impact on the environment, and we will continue to support and encourage the industry’s exploration of more efficient and environmentally-friendly options for transporting high quality fresh food.”
FreshDirect’s application received the highest number of points out of all eight award recipients.
“When FreshDirect announced that they wanted to move their headquarters to The Bronx, we worked closely with their management regarding community concerns, especially on the environment,” said Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President. “The NEDC Breathe Easy Leadership Award from the EPA shows that FreshDirect is serious about being a good neighbor and upholding the commitments they made, and that the Obama Administration recognizes those achievements.”
Representatives from FreshDirect were invited to the EPA NEDC 2015 Partner’s Meeting to accept the award and engage with industry and government leaders in discussions about ways to achieve cleaner, more sustainable, and efficient transportation throughout the Northeast.
“The award doesn’t negate the fact that oversaturation and the impact of 100,000 truck trips is unsustainable because of resulting traffic congestion and idling,” said Mychal Johnson of South Bronx Unite, a local group opposed to FreshDirect. Despite twice having courts dismiss their lawsuit, the group’s opposition continues.
Construction on the first phase of FreshDirect’s new 500,000 square-foot Bronx headquarters is well underway. “We are extremely pleased with our progress,” said Larry Scott Blackmon, Vice President of Public Affairs.
A rendering of FreshDirect’s new 500,000-square-foot Bronx headquarters under construction in the Harlem River Yard near the RFK-Triboro Bridge. Courtesy FreshDirect
According to Mr. Blackmon, the underground plumbing, asphalt and foundations are approximately 95% complete and the the building’s steel skeleton is approximately 30% complete. Soon to follow will be the perimeter walls, exterior windows and roofing for the building at 132nd Street along the Harlem River.
A rendering of the rear of FreshDirect’s new 500,000-square-foot Bronx headquarters along the Harlem River.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our progress and eventually celebrating the opening of the facility with our employees, friends, elected officials and community partners,” added Mr. Blackmon.
FreshDirect is a leading online fresh food grocer in the U.S., delivering premium quality fresh-from-the-farm foods and brand-name groceries directly to the doors of customers in the greater New York, New Jersey, Connecticut metro areas.
The Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC) is a regionally coordinated initiative to reduce diesel emissions, improve public health, and promote clean diesel technology.
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