J.C. Penney is in the green

Plano, Texas – The J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is in the green – green energy savings, that is.



The retailer on Wednesday announced the long-term results of various company initiatives that incorporate sustainability practices in its day-to-day business operations. It also said it would unveil a new energy initiative later this year.



These include a reduction of total company energy usage by 19% since 2009, achieved through various building upgrades across the chain, and watchful remote monitoring of HVAC and lighting systems. The energy savings translates into a cost avoidance of nearly $100 million and a significant reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Penney estimates that nearly 46% of energy saved came from conservation and operational improvements.



“J.C. Penney has been environmentally minded for decades, and the results of our long-term energy initiative demonstrate how seriously we take conservation,” said Katheryn Burchett, senior VP of corporate services and real estate. “We owe a great deal of the success to our dedicated associates, who were mindful of their energy decisions over the course of the campaign.”



In addition, Penney received Energy Star’s Partner of the Year, Sustained Excellence designation for the ninth consecutive year in 2015. Also, during 2014, J.C. Penney received Energy Star certification at 100 additional locations. Today, Penney has Energy Star certification in 616 stores, one distribution center and the home office in Plano, Texas.



Furthermore, Penney has participated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency`s National Building Competition for three years in a row. Three stores were recognized for reducing energy consumption more than 20% in 2014, including locations in Bishop, California; Gretna, Louisiana; and Sarasota, Florida. The Sarasota store achieved a reduction of 27.5%, which translates to an estimated energy cost savings of over $50,000.