SEATTLE, USA – Starbucks has certified 6,091 Greener Stores, nearly doubling its portfolio in the past year, and a milestone achievement toward the company’s goal of certifying 10,000 Greener Stores globally by 2025. In markets around the world, Greener Stores energy and water savings and waste diversion help advance the company’s goal to reduce carbon emissions, water usage and landfill waste by 50% by 2030.
The company has Greener 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, including the Hacienda Alsacia Visitor Center café at Starbucks first and only coffee farm.
“Our big vision for the future is for every Starbucks store around the world to be more sustainable. That’s why I’m excited to see the continued growth of Greener Stores globally, driven by the passion of our partners,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “Starbucks environmental promise comes to life through our baristas’ daily actions which help define a Greener Store, our innovative shift toward reusable cups, and our partnership with coffee farmers on sustainable growing practices — it’s all part of our commitment to give more than we take from the planet.”
Since October 2022, all new Starbucks stores in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are being built under the Greener Stores framework.
What’s a Greener Store?
Being certified as a Greener Store, means meeting standards across eight environmental impact areas developed in partnership 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 has a combination of sustainable features that help it receive its third-party verification. Some stores have obvious elements like solar panels or water recycling tanks. While others have more subtle features behind the counter like high efficiency appliances, low-emitting paint and sealants, and energy management systems as well as store practices like composting and food donation.
For example, in the United States, Starbucks Greener Stores practices have saved the company almost $60 million in annual operating costs, including 30% water savings and 30% energy reduction when compared to historic store practices.
Greener Stores of the Year
This year, the company announced its inaugural global Greener Stores of the Year program awarding one store in each of six regions to celebrate stores exceeding in 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 course about sustainability and practices partners can take to help reduce waste and improve their impact on the environment. “The certification on sustainable practices works on promoting getting orders in For-Here Cups, composting and also the use of reusables,” said store manager Andrea G.
All store finishes are provided by local suppliers, including a beautiful mural by a local Peruvian artist Selva, whose art represents our “harmonious relationship with our surroundings.”
Tsushima, Japan
Built as part of a project to revitalize Tennogawa Park, the store was designed to feel at one with the outdoors with large windows allowing ample natural daylight and deep eaves to prevent glare and heat. Store partners help run an annual festival held 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 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 natural stone exterior helps control indoor temperature and its high-efficiency HVAC system and on-site solar provide a 15% energy savings. A rainwater harvesting system provides landscape irrigation, and landscaping consists of local plants endemic 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 turned 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.
“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
Located in Ayali Kalan, the first certified Greener Stores in India has EV chargers, a rainwater harvesting system, and distributes their used coffee grounds to be used as fertilizer in surrounding developments. The store has interactive displays raising awareness about climate change and inspiring others to embrace eco-friendly choices in their lives.
Shanghai, China
The Zhao Hua Road store was renovated with 90% recycled or reusable materials used in store construction, and 75% of store operational materials are recyclable. Installing LED energy-efficient lighting, an air-cooled ice machine and heat-pump water heater has resulted in a 50% energy reduction compared to before the store renovation.
