Sears Holdings receives EPA award

Hoffman Estates-based Sears Holdings has been honored with a SmartWay Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency.

The EPA SmartWay partnership is a public/private collaboration between the U.S. EPA and the freight transportation industry that helps freight shippers, carriers, and logistics companies improve fuel-efficiency and save money.

Sears Holdings was one of 40 companies, representing less than one percent of EPA SmartWay’s nearly 3000 Partners, to receive this distinction. In addition, 100 percent of Sears Holdings’ more than 20-plus freight carriers are SmartWay program partners as well.

“We are honored to have received this distinguished environmental award as our company remains focused on supply chain optimization leading to fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and increased supply chain sustainability,” said Raj Pankar, senior vice president and president, supply chain, Sears Holdings. “This commitment by the SmartWay program enables companies, such as Sears Holdings, to continue to strive toward improved standards year-over-year.”

The SmartWay Award of Excellence was presented at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals annual conference held in Atlanta earlier this month.

“The EPA is pleased to recognize these SmartWay Partners with a 2012 Excellence Award. I commend Sears Holdings for its leadership in moving goods efficiently and reducing the environmental impact of freight through the second generation SmartWay Transport Partnership,” said Chris Grundler, Acting Director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “Their commitment is helping lead the freight industry to a more sustainable future.”