Staples and Starbucks join national initiative to reduce energy

New York -- Staples and Starbucks Coffee Co. have joined a voluntary national initiative to reduce energy consumption. Under the Better Buildings Challenge, companies commit to reducing the energy use in their facilities by at least 20% by 2020, and to post their annual power consumption and information on their conservation projects on a U.S. Department of Energy website.



Staples, with 43 million sq. ft., joined the Better Buildings Challenge with a commitment to reduce energy intensity by 25% by 2020 and reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2025.



Starbucks has a commitment to reduce energy consumption in company-owned stores – 14 million sq. ft. – across the United States by at least 25% percent by 2015.



“Investments in energy efficiency that save millions in energy costs are making the American economy more competitive, protecting our air and water, and creating jobs,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “We applaud these new partners in the Better Buildings Challenge for leading by example and showing the savings that energy efficiency makes possible while the U.S. positions itself as a global leader in the clean energy race.”



The Better Buildings Challenge is part of the Obama Administration's comprehensive strategy to improve the competitiveness of American industry and business, by helping companies to save money by reducing energy waste in commercial and industrial buildings. To date, some 70 companies have signed on, including Best Buy, Kohl’s Department Stores, Walgreens and General Electric.