Lowe’s nabs EPA award

Lowe's Companies has received top honors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its SmartWay Transport Partnership.



The 2014 SmartWay Excellence Award is a nod to Lowe's environmentally conscious supply chain system, which has contributed to its six total SmartWay awards.



"Earning this distinction from the EPA and celebrating the work of all the SmartWay partners is a great reminder that Lowe's is a part of something bigger," said Rick Gabrielson, Lowe's VP transportation. "It strengthens our commitment to continue to promote responsible transportation practices that benefit the freight industry, all of our communities and, ultimately, our customers."



The Lowe's SmartWay program is designed to reduce fuel costs and emissions, with two-thirds of all Lowe's import containers being transported by trucks that are no more than seven years old.



Additionally, Lowe's is working on expanding its fleet of natural gas trucks, which are now up and running at regional distribution centers in seven states.



Besides Lowe's, 10 other companies (of nearly 3,000 SmartWay partners) received the award from the EPA.