Burlington, VT based Rhino Foods, is seeking approval to build a 65,000 sf expansion to their frozen desserts product business. As a B-Corp, they have a certified code of conduct to be a responsible and sustainable business that cares about people, the community and the environment- yet the expansion includes plans for 10 loading bays for freezer trucks to operate under diesel-power to run their refrigeration units to keep product frozen while at the dock.

Idling diesel trucks at the loading bays is not only noisy and disruptive to residential neighbors but also contributes to air pollution and carbon emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), diesel engines emit harmful pollutants, produce acid rain and contribute to ozone, regional haze and global climate change. Diesel fuel has a very high carbon footprint. One gallon of diesel fuel emits 10,180 grams (22.44 pounds) of carbon dioxide emissions when combusted. 

Vermont has a “no idling” law but there is an exception that permits idling for work-related operations including truck refrigeration. 

We believe that Rhino Foods should take responsibility for their impact on the environment and the community and use electricity rather than diesel to power their trucks’ freezer compressors and not idle their diesel engines at the loading bays. 

Alternatively, by building their facility with electric "shore power" plug-in outlets for their trucks to keep their freezer running at the loading docks, Rhino Foods would reduce noise and air pollution as well as be in alignment with their own sustainability values.

 

This solution would: 

• Eliminate the idling of freezer trucks
• Reduce noise
• Reduce harmful emissions
• Be more sustainable and environmentally friendly
• Be in alignment with Rhino’s B-corp values
• Be economically feasible as energy could be offset by the electricity generated by the solar panels that are planned for the roof
   

Rhino Foods is a local employer and has a track record of embracing diversity and inclusion. They are a good company that can do better in this one area.

Tell Rhino Foods to continue to be a good neighbor, reduce noise and air pollution, and use electricity to power their trucks’ freezer compressors while in the loading bays by signing this petition! 

We need signatures now while plans are being considered for approval by the City of Burlington.

Thank you!

Related Information
Rhino Foods, website and values
Zoning permit application and files (click on the "Files" tab)

 

Rhino Foods and B-Corporation info
Rhino Foods B-Corporation status
About B-Corp Certification

Diesel emissions information
EPA: tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions
EPA: impact of diesel emissions