Kohl's recognized as Energy Star leader at D.C. ceremony

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores announced that the company will be recognized as a 2011 Energy Star Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Energy Star Awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The Partner of the Year Award is presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy.

“Kohl’s continuously strives to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs while maintaining a shopping environment that is comfortable for our customers," said Ken Bonning, Kohl’s EVP store planning and logistics. “Accomplishing this takes partnership and commitment across all areas of the organization from our corporate office and distribution centers to our more than 1,000 stores nationwide. We’re pleased to report that more than 50% of our stores have earned the ENERGY STAR label in recognition of their diligent efforts to assess and reduce energy use, and that the number of labeled locations continues to grow.”

To date, Kohl’s has more than 600 ENERGY STAR-labeled locations – more than any other department store.

Kohl’s has also taken steps to ensure that newly constructed buildings are more energy efficient by design. All newly constructed Kohl’s stores will pursue Designed to Earn the Energy Star designation with the intent of earning the ENERGY STAR label once built. These stores are eligible to earn the Energy Star label after maintaining superior energy performance for one year in operation.