Starbucks to hold electricity-cutting contests at some stores

The contest will pit 10 Starbucks stores against one another to see who can cut electricity use the most in 30 days.

"Each store will have a tablet display behind the counter that shows the electricity use of the store throughout the day. The energy data will come from smart meters and will be updated every one to five minutes," reports the GigaOM website. "The prize will be some sort of a party for the winning Starbucks shop."

* Starbucks to add a shot of energy efficiency to its coffee shops (GigaOM.com)

Comments

[barista147xxxx]

... It's not like we are allowed to shut off lights or machines during business hours... we cant even open doors and windows in place of AC because it would allow things like mice, insects, or birds to get into the store. The only way to save energy is to switch the hardware itself (lights, computers, heating and cooling) and to install energy efficiant windows and such...

[Bearded Barista]

I think being aware of energy usage is a good thing though. It might encourage partners to keep fridges full and closed so they don't waste power. And maybe not turning the AC down all the time. We can do some things to lower energy usage. I would be ok with turning the oven off all day to lower power usage. :)
Also, Treat Receipts begin tomorrow. The news got sprung on us yesterday. Too bad, it would have been nice to be able to adjust labor acccordingly for the first couple of weeks of the promo.

[otterinthewater]

What a nice, cheap bit of advertising!

I don't know where these stores may be, but as far as I know, most stores have little to no control over their electricity usage beyond what is necessary to run the business.

I'm so sure the average mall or storefront Starbucks can totally ignore the contract it has with its lessor to ignore the standards it has for temperature or hours- all in the name of energy efficiency!

Also, did all the US partners enjoy the Treat Reciept surprise as much as your customers? Surprise!

Did you schedule for it? No?! What. A. Shock.

[Di]

Oh come on now...really, not a chance!

[Ian]

Bam. And also. The treat receipt signage is hideous.

[Bitter Ben]

Otterinthewater - I didn't schedule for it (and it wasn't really decided until last minute) but honestly during these summer months with school out my store gets so slow, I am happy to have something that might help sales pick up.

I do often wonder why they don't at least make these decisions on a Monday and then say (Starting Next week) A week at least would be a nice heads up notice.

[getaclue]

they don't want us adding labor thats why. nothing like coming in understaffed to help control costs!

[margaret]

I have worked for Starbucks for 7 years and there are tons of ways to cut cost in stores. It was awesome how Starbucks put in led lightbulbs but they could go so much further. There is a lot of ways to go greener but I think it would cost more than they are willing to do.