Mar 4 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named J. C. Penney Company, Inc. a 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For the second consecutive year, JCPenney will be honored for smart energy management practices and investments throughout its operations that resulted in significant energy and financial savings. JCPenney, the only retailer selected as Partner of the Year in the energy management category, will be recognized at the ENERGY STAR awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 1.
JCPenney continues to implement energy conservation projects and engage its 155,000 Associates to seek out innovative ways to save energy. In 2007, energy management systems (EMS) were installed in 188 stores, bringing the total of EMS-equipped stores to 731, and these stores have delivered average energy usage savings of 7.6 percent after one year with an EMS. In addition, 167 stores received lighting retrofits in 2007, saving more than 27 million kWh of electricity.
To help Associates take a more active role in saving energy, JCPenney launched an "Energy Captain" Web portal for stores that serves as a one-stop shop for energy reports and support materials, as well as a forum to share ideas with peers. JCPenney's "Monthly Utility Mania" communications program, now in its fourth year, helps educate Associates on the importance of energy conservation and rewards stores for innovative efforts.
JCPenney also promotes strategic energy management through active participation in ENERGY STAR. When the new ENERGY STAR efficiency benchmark for retail stores was introduced in October 2007, four JCPenney stores in Washington state became the first in the nation to qualify under the new standard. Combined, the four stores save an estimated $250,000 per year in utility costs relative to average stores of their size.
"Effective energy management is a key part of our strategic plan to be a leading performer in our industry while minimizing our impact on the environment," said Jim Thomas, vice president and director of corporate social responsibility for JCPenney. "Energy efficiency will only become more important in the future. Our partnership with ENERGY STAR demonstrates the proven fiscal and environmental savings that result from superior energy management."
Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.
The 2008 Partner of the Year Awards recognize efforts to use energy efficiently in facility operations and to integrate superior energy management into overall organizational strategy. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
"JCPenney's leadership in managing energy use is a model for other businesses looking for ways to protect the environment," said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "Because commercial and industrial facilities account for half of all energy consumption in the U.S. and are responsible for nearly half of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, energy management is a critical element in our efforts on climate change."