Editor's note: This is the latest episode of a regular podcast series to be aired on GreenBiz.com. Nature of Business radio, created and hosted by Chrissy Coughlin, airs weekly on public radio.

This week, Nature of Business host Chrissy Coughlin discusses energy management, smart design, waste diversion, and energy remedies at home with Kathy Loftus, Global Leader, Sustainable Engineering, Maintenance & Energy Management at Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods has of course built its brand on healthy, natural foods, so anything less than a solid commitment to sustainability would fly in the face of its mission and brand.

Still, the company has steadily focused its attention on environmental issues, creating what one writer called "the Greenest Grocery Store in the World" with its Dedham, Mass., location; committing in a big way to purchasing renewable energy, and working to make its sourcing of everything from fish to ice cream. more sustainable.

Through her collaboration with development teams and partners, Kathy is creating strategies that raise the bar with regard to energy efficiency for the over 300 (and growing) Whole Foods stores in the US.

And she really loves her job. As she puts it, "It's really exciting to work with everyone here at Whole Foods Market because the team members are just so engaged and passionate and go above and beyond every day." Not bad.