Kohl’s named 2011 Energy Star Partner of the Year

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores announced Tuesday that it will be recognized as a 2011 Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.



The award, Kohl’s second consecutive, will be presented Tuesday evening at the Energy Star Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.



“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, executive VP store planning and logistics, Kohl’s.



According to Bonning, the department store chain has earned the Energy Star label in more than 50% of its stores by assessing and reducing energy. “That number of labeled locations continues to grow,” he said.



To date, Kohl’s has more than 600 Energy Star-labeled locations – more than any other department store. According to EPA, on average, commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star label use 35% less energy and generate one-third less carbon dioxide than similar buildings.



By making energy management a key focus in the company’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, Kohl’s saved enough energy in 2010 to power more than 11,500 average American households for one year. After improving energy efficiency by more than 20% across stores over the last four years, Kohl’s aims to increase energy efficiency by an additional 4% across its portfolio of stores in 2011.



Kohl’s said it 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.