In continuing its commitment to the environment, Starbucks has verified 6,000 environmentally friendly stores in over 40 global markets.
The company has honored six new environmentally friendly stores across international regions, recognizing stores that focus on sustainability and innovation.
Starbucks has certified 6,091 environmentally friendly stores., almost doubling its number in the past year, a significant step toward its goal of certifying 10,000 environmentally friendly stores globally by 2025. These Greener Stores contribute to the company’s target of reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and landfill waste by 50% by 2030.
The company has environmentally friendly stores in 44 markets, with new markets including India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Bahrain, Italy, France, Spain, and Costa Rica, such as the Hacienda Alsacia Visitor Center café. at Starbucks' first and only coffee farm.
“Starbucks' chief sustainability officer, Michael Kobori, expressed the company's vision for all Starbucks stores to be sustainable. He is excited to see the continued growth of Greener Stores globally driven by the dedication of Starbucks partners.said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer.Starbucks' environmental commitment is visible through the actions of its baristas and their efforts to establish Greener Stores, the transition to reusable cups, and the collaboration with coffee farmers on sustainable cultivation practices – all part of the company's promise to give back to the planet.”
Since October 2022, all new Starbucks stores in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are being constructed under the Greener Stores framework.
What’s A Greener Store?
Being certified as a Greener Store involves meeting standards in eight areas of environmental impact, developed in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and SCS Global Services: water stewardship, energy efficiency, waste diversion, renewable energy, responsible materials, engagement, sites, communities, health, and wellbeing.
Each Greener Store incorporates a variety of sustainable features that enable it to achieve third-party verification. Some stores have visible elements like solar panels or water recycling tanks, while others have more subtle features such as energy-efficient appliances, low-emission paint and sealants, and energy management systems, as well as store practices like composting and food donation.
For instance, in the United States, Starbucks' Greener Store practices have saved the company nearly $60 million in annual operating expenses, including a 30% reduction in water usage and 30% reduction in energy compared to past practices.
Greener Stores of the Year
This year, the company launched its global Greener Stores of the Year program, recognizing one store in each of six regions for its outstanding innovation and environmental impact.
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) – Lima, Peru
All store partners at the Starbucks Frutales location, in the Camacho neighborhood of Lima, have completed the Greener Apron program, a sustainability course for partners aimed at reducing waste and improving environmental impact.The certification for sustainable practices focuses on encouraging customers to use For-Here Cups, composting, and reusables.” said store manager Andrea G.
Local suppliers provide all the finishes for the store, including a beautiful mural by a local Peruvian artist Selva, whose art represents our “harmonious relationship with our surroundings.”
Tsushima, Japan
As part of a project to revitalize Tennogawa Park, the store was designed to blend with the outdoors, with large windows letting in natural light and deep eaves to prevent glare and heat. Store partners help organize an annual festival in the park and host “community connect” events, such as park clean-ups where partners volunteer alongside residents and customers.
Since December 2023, the first Greener Store in Japan, the Imperial Palace Gaien Wadakura Fountain Park store, has been hosting a Reuse Ambassador workshop inviting nearby store partners to learn about reusables and practices that can help their store become verified as a Greener Store.
Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) – Cesme, Türkiye
The store’s The natural stone exterior helps regulate indoor temperature, and its high-efficiency HVAC system and on-site solar panels provide a 15% energy savings. A rainwater harvesting system is used for landscape irrigation, and landscaping consists of local plants native to the area.
“Winning the EMEA Greener Store of the Year title is a truly remarkable achievement, especially for someone who values environmental sustainability like myself,” said store manager Gökçe C. “The recognition of our store’s sustainable design fills me with pride and motivates me to continue contributing towards a greener future.”
North America – Williamsburg, Virginia
“I’ve always loved that Starbucks cares about the environment and reducing waste, but now that I’ve been given the opportunity to be a part of a Greener Store, I feel a greater sense of responsibility. I see even more of the meaningful change we are making as a company each day,” said store manager Madi M. who added that “for the history buffs and William and Mary Alumni that visit us to see how an old house could become a Starbucks, we love to offer For-Here cups, share about personal cups, and tell curious customers about composting or Grounds for Your Garden.”
Located in historic Williamsburg, a 100-year-old house was transformed into a new Starbucks café operating on 100% local renewable electricity provided by the Fern Solar project located just under 200 miles away. In addition, the store has a rainwater collection system in place for landscape irrigation and banquettes made from recycled wood.
“I like to remind customers about our discount with using a personal cup, and how they can benefit from using one as well.”
“Each individual person impacts the environment, and if Starbucks as a whole is taking a step towards being greener, hopefully, we can inspire others through our process,” said barista, Zach. “Every day I use a personal cup whether it’s for hot or cold drink, I make sure to always have one with me. I also encourage other partners or customers to bring in theirs to reduce the amount of waste we have with our plastic cups, paper cups, and lids. I like to remind customers about our discount with using a personal cup, and how they can benefit from using one as well.”
Asia Pacific – Ayali Kalan, Ludhiana, India
In Ayali Kalan, the first officially environmentally friendly stores in India has electric vehicle chargers, a system for collecting rainwater, and shares its used coffee grounds for use as fertilizer in nearby developments. The store has interactive displays that raise awareness about climate change and encourage others to adopt environmentally friendly choices in their lives.
“This recognition helps us celebrate and spread this awareness to our customers.”
“I’m eager to engage customers and inform them that we are promoting awareness about climate change, and the care we have taken to make this store more environmentally friendly. This recognition helps us celebrate and spread this awareness to our customers.” said Pankaj, store manager from Starbucks Ayali Kalan.
Shanghai, China
The Zhao Hua Road store was remodeled using 90% recycled or reusable materials, and 75% of its operational materials can be recycled. The installation of LED energy-efficient lighting, an air-cooled ice machine, and a heat-pump water heater has led to a 50% reduction in energy compared to before the store renovation.
