Kohl’s Department Stores Assure Commitment to Avoid Greenhouse Emissions

Kohl’s Department Stores have announced its commitment to reach net zero U.S. greenhouse emissions, which is a part of its partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Climate Leaders program.  In order to achieve this goal, Kohl’s will continue to invest in projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Facilities including distribution centers, stores, and corporate offices of Kohl will account for the greenhouse gas emissions. The goal once realized will equal to removing more than 130,842 vehicles from the road for a year or avoiding emissions from electricity, which is used by 99,084 homes.

According to Ken Bonning, Executive Vice President of Store Planning and Logistics, Kohl, said that Kohl’ is committed to the communities by taking important steps to reduce the environmental footprint. He also added that Kohl’s want to show that how a large company can operate in such a way and be a successful business model. Kohl’s is pleased to work with the U.S. E.P.A’s Climate Leaders program as a part of the greenhouse gas reduction initiative.

The initiatives include five environmental strategies, such as, maximize energy efficiency, improve new building design, minimize waste, reduce emissions and encourage environmental values.

The highlighting aspects of the program are, namely, commitment to green power, leading solar program, central management system, and Energy STAR. Kohl’s has strongly supported the development of renewable energy. It was named as one of EPA’s 2009 Green Power Partners of the Year. It currently ranks as number one retailer on EPA’s list of Green Power Purchasers in its Green Power Partnership. Kohl’s host solar power with 79 solar locations in six states, namely, California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Maryland, Connecticut, and New Jersey.  Kohl’s has aims to expand this program to additional number of states in the year 2010 and reach more than 100 locations. All the locations of Kohl’s are operated by a system that controls, heating and cooling systems, and interior and exterior lighting systems.