RILA Recognized by EPA as a 2016 SmartWay Affiliate Challeng

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) was named a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2016 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree.  EPA recognized RILA yesterday during a virtual recognition webinar as part of its Earth Day celebrations. RILA is one of just seven organizations nationwide to receive this honor.   

“RILA recognizes that environmental sustainability is integral to today’s business paradigm. RILA members have incorporated sustainability into virtually all operations across their businesses. The EPA SmartWay program provides industry with valuable tools to help advance efforts within supply chain operations,” said Kelly Kolb, vice president for government affairs. “RILA values the partnership we have with the SmartWay program and we are grateful for this honor.” 

The SmartWay Affiliate Challenge is a national challenge developed by EPA to acknowledge organizations that participate in SmartWay and do an exceptional job supporting the partnership’s freight sustainability goals.  SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honorees have proactively initiated and executed outreach, promotional and marketing activities that raise awareness and encourage their members to address air pollution from freight activities. These affiliates serve as role models for other SmartWay affiliates and partners. 

“EPA commends the Affiliate Challenge honorees for their extraordinary level of commitment, enthusiasm, and creativity in supporting EPA’s SmartWay program, and sustainable transportation,” said Christopher Grundler, Director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “The work in this arena helps to advance the environmental sustainability of commercial transportation and logistics bringing us all closer to achieving the shared goals of efficient goods movement and clean air.”    

The challenge was open to all SmartWay Affiliates who submitted an application and supporting materials describing various activities they accomplished during the period of March 1, 2015 to March 1, 2016. Honored Affiliates represent 3 percent of the total affiliate membership. 

RILA promotes SmartWay initiatives to member companies and partners through a variety of channels, including the annual RILA Supply Chain Conference, meetings, member resources and through the RILA website. 

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About SmartWay 

EPA launched SmartWay in 2004 to help business improve the sustainability of their freight supply chains.  Today the Partnership consists of nearly 3,000 Partners, representing a cross section of the freight supply chain industry.  As of today, SmartWay Partners have saved over 170 million barrels of oil.  SmartWay’s clean air achievements (72.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide so far) help protect the health and well-being of citizens. 

More information on SmartWay in general: http://www.epa.gov/smartway/   

About RILA 

RILA is the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.