Richmond Cold Storage  Company (RCS)said energy cuts helped the Richmond, Va.-based company reduce its carbon footprint by as much as 9 percent during 2009.

RCS began analyzing and evaluating its energy use in late 2008, officials said.  A comprehensive review encompassed operations at all 12 company warehouses and the corporate headquarters.

"This was a team effort and [an] accomplishment that involved all our associates. Everyone participated in identifying areas and processes to reduce the company's overall use of energy," said Michael McClendon, RCS president.