Sears receives EPA Energy Star Partner of the Year award

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Sears Holdings with a 2014 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Sears Holdings, an Energy Star partner since 1998, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency.



The company's related accomplishments in 2013 included:



• Energy Savings: In 2013, Sears Holdings' total weather normalized source energy usage decreased by 1,005,846,559 kbtu, a reduction of 5% from last year. In addition, the company reduced average weather normalized source energy intensity to 127.6 kbtu/sq. ft., a 3% reduction from 2012. Furthermore, the company reduced electricity usage by more than 200 million kWh, a 6.6% savings from the previous year.



• Product Selection: Sears Holdings has continued to develop business strategies related to Energy Star products in their stores. In 2013, the company introduced new energy-efficient technology for Kenmore laundry and dishwashers, as well as the continuous development of the connected appliance/home energy management portfolio that will be introduced to the market in 2014.



• Marketing: The company continued to communicate its environmental leadership to its Shop Your Way members and customers. Several utility partners created brand pages on the Shop Your Way platform to promote Energy Star In addition, Sears is expanding instant rebates online, allowing automatic location based rebates.



• Partnership: Through Sears Green Leadership team, it is able to capitalize on these relationships to drive traffic to its stores and generate awareness for the Energy Star brand.



"Sears Holdings is honored to receive the Partner of the Year Award," said Ron Boire, Sears Holdings' executive VP chief merchandising officer and president, Sears and Kmart formats. "We are committed to our partnership with Energy Star, and dedicated to increasing energy efficiency through our operational excellence, Kenmore product offerings and partnerships with local utilities. We will continue the tradition of celebrating our associates, members and customers' conservation efforts as we help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment."

==