Sustainability

Operations

BJ’s operates more than 215 warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States as well as three directly managed distribution centers and two contracted distribution centers. We strive to operate efficiently and in an environmentally responsible manner. We are focused on finding efficiencies to drive lower costs, using fewer resources and generating less waste. This focus enables us to sustain our business growth, remain a lean low-cost operator and fuel our future growth.

Solar and Renewable Energy

We strive to increase our reliance on renewable solar energy. As of fiscal year 2019, we have installed solar panels at 54 clubs, which represents a quarter of our clubs and which produces a total of 35 million kWh annually or 6% of the total electricity used at BJ’s. Our aim is to continue to grow that number. We continue to lower our usage and reliance on energy by ensuring that our mechanical equipment, such as HVACs and condensers, are kept up to date and by recommissioning our refrigeration and related equipment.

Transportation

At BJ’s, we buy most of our merchandise directly from manufacturers and route it to cross-docking consolidation points (distribution centers) or directly to our clubs. Our company-operated and contracted distribution centers receive large shipments from manufacturers and quickly ship these goods to individual clubs. This process creates freight volume and handling efficiencies, eliminating many costs associated with traditional multiple-step distribution channels and lowers our carbon footprint.

Recycling Programs

Tires

BJ's recycled over 500,000 tires during fiscal year 2019. 80% of these tires were repurposed as crumb rubber and the remaining 20% was repurposed for tire-derived fuel and civil engineering applications.

Paper

In fiscal years 2018 and 2019, we recycled over 100,000 tons of paper in total and we continue to move to paperless initiatives to the extent possible.

Clean Harbors Partnership

In an ongoing effort to reduce our environmental footprint, BJ’s Wholesale Club partners with Clean Harbors to help divert recyclable materials from our waste streams. During fiscal year 2019, BJ’s Wholesale Club reduced 66.68 tons of waste from entering our landfills and recycled:

97,109 lbs of electronics
1,622 lbs. of batteries
1,122 lbs. of bulbs
13,314 lbs. of oil
20,200 lbs. of different solvents and fuel such as: propane, fuel filters, absorbent with diesel, ethanol, helium, carbon dioxide and fire extinguishers

Club Design, Building Improvements and Maintenance

BJ’s Wholesale Club is committed to implementing design and building improvements in all new club locations to improve energy efficiency. We also utilize building management systems to optimize energy usage in new and existing clubs. All our existing and new clubs have smart technology for refrigeration, lighting and HVAC energy management and this technology allows us to substantially reduce our energy consumption.

All new BJ’s club locations and BJ’s Gas® stations as of 2016 are built with 100% LED lighting for both interior and exterior lighting packages. The inclusion of LED lighting in new clubs and stations enables us to reduce our electrical kwh/year usage on a yearly basis by more than 870,000kw compared to the average BJ’s club. Our yearly lighting maintenance program also includes re-fixturing multiple clubs with LED upgrades throughout our clubs’ sales floors, prep rooms and coolers and freezers.

We install high-efficiency refrigeration condensers, high-efficiency refrigeration rack systems and energy efficiency roof-top HVAC units (RTUs) for air conditioning in our new clubs. This HVAC equipment is much more efficient due to higher SEER ratings. Not only is this improved equipment deployed in new clubs, but it’s also used in HVAC replacements in existing clubs. This improved equipment provides a more positive building pressure, thus not allowing the conditioned air in the building to escape.

We use Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on all HVAC motors, refrigeration cases and walk-in box evaporators, refrigeration condensers. VFDs allow motors to ramp up slowly and speed can be limited to need, so motors are not either on 100% or off. A motor running at 90% saves an average of 7% on energy use.

All roof replacements and new club roofing are designed with highly reflective “cool roofs,” which stay cooler than traditional roofs to reduce air conditioning loads.

Refrigeration cases, as well as glass freezer/cooler doors are much more efficient than what was previously available, due in part to operating at a higher suction pressure. We install glass doors on our packaged meat and bakery cases.

Gasoline Business

BJ's is committed to providing members with quality fuel at an everyday value and to operating our gasoline business in an environmentally responsible manner.

Safety & Station Maintenance

BJ’s Gas^® attendants are present at all locations to ensure that our members are safe and that our fueling facilities are clean and well-operated. BJ’s Gas attendants are Class C certified operators, which means that they have specialized training related to fuel station operations, safety and the environment.

BJ's Gas locations are well-maintained, and we take extra precautions to ensure that the gasoline going into members' vehicles is of high quality. These include regular station maintenance and operations and fuel filters that catch particles and debris larger than 10 microns in diameters.

Gas monitoring: We continuously monitor underground storage tanks for water and our filters are also designed to detect and catch sediment and water.

BJ’s employs a two-tiered approach to ensure that the fuel going into our member’s tanks is free of water and sediment. Our electronic tank and inventory monitoring systems provide for end-to-end system integrity and work to detect the presence of water and foreign substances on a continuous basis.

Best-in-Class Dispenser filters: BJ’s Gas uses industry-leading 10-micron filters to ensure that the fuel entering our members’ fuel tanks is free of sediment, water or ethanol phase separation. These filters will trap sediment or particles that are larger than 10 microns in diameter.

Continuous Leak Monitoring, Air Pollution Control and Spill Prevention Program

BJ’s Gas stations have corrosion-proof double-wall underground storage tanks and piping. The underground system is continuously monitored for leaks via an electronic monitoring system. The entire station is designed to automatically shut down if a leak is detected. These electronic alarm systems are monitored around the clock by both our employees and an outside service. Our gas stations feature the latest technologies for ensuring gasoline vapor remains contained and we work with various agencies to stay up to date on air pollution control efforts. Spilled fuel is a safety and environmental concern. Our gas stations are equipped with spill kits and our attendants are trained on property cleaning the spill surfaces.