April 7, 2008 - Citing soaring energy costs, supermarket operators are focusing sustainability and green store design, according to a new Food Marketing Institute (FMI) survey.

About a third of respondents say they took on green retrofits or new-store designs in 2006 (the year covered by the survey), and 40% are planning similar projects within the next five years. Green retrofits outpaced new-store construction in 2006 for the first time since 2001, with 61% of store openings taking place in existing locations.

To order a copy of FMI's "Facts About Store Development 2007," click here.