PLANO, Texas - To support its company-wide goal to reduce facility energy use 20 percent by 2015, J. C. Penney Company Inc. announced that it will bolster its participation in the Energy Star program by increasing its building certifications to 400 stores by the end of 2013. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards the Energy Star certification to buildings that rank within the top 25 percent of similar commercial buildings nationwide by meeting strict energy performance levels set by the EPA. The announcement coincided with the jcpenney brand receiving the 2011 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award, the highest award bestowed by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its comprehensive “hands-on” approach to energy management.

“We’ve made strong progress toward our 2015 energy reduction target and now we’re taking our energy conservation efforts to the next level by doubling our Energy Star commitment from 200 to 400 certified stores by encouraging greater associate involvement and investing in energy efficiency improvements,” said Mike Theilmann, group executive vice president for jcpenney. “Receiving the 2011 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award for the third consecutive year is a testament to our committed team of associates who help deliver on that goal by implementing energy-saving practices across our 1,100 locations.”

Last year, the company invested more than $12 million in the installation of high-efficiency lighting, advanced metering technologies as well as high-efficiency HVAC systems throughout its stores and supply chain units. Improvements planned for 2011 include expanding its advanced metering technologies to 165 facilities, which provides daily reports of electricity usage to help identify opportunities for significant savings. To champion these energy-saving activities, jcpenney encourages associates throughout the company to serve on teams that spearhead responsibility for monitoring energy usage data and addressing areas for improvement.

“jcpenney’s long term commitment to energy efficiency demonstrates the types of accomplishments that we can all achieve in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our global environment,” said Elizabeth Craig, acting director of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs. “We look forward to their continued partnership and leadership.”

Publication date: 06/06/2011