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TARGET TESTS FIRST NET ZERO ENERGY STORE
Target Corporation has announced its most sustainable store to date , as the site will generate more renewable energy than it needs annually to operate and will test multiple innovations to reduce the building ’ s emissions . The Vista , California , store ’ s retrofit and new features will inform Target ’ s investments in new stores and remodel programmes that support its long-term growth and help guide the retailer ’ s efforts to achieve its sustainability goals .
The store will generate renewable energy through 3,420 solar panels across its roof and newly installed carport canopies . The site is expected to produce up to a 10 % energy surplus each year that it can transmit back to the local power grid and Target has applied for net zero energy certification from the International Living Future Institute . The building also features elements to further reduce emissions , such as powering its HVAC heating through rooftop solar panels , instead of natural gas .
Sustainability efforts underway
Target is building on the many ways it innovates through its stores and facilities to support the company ’ s sustainability strategy Target Forward . The retailer has committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions enterprise-wide by 2040 , and since 2017 , Target has already reduced its direct operations ’ emissions by nearly 27 %. One of the ways it intends to reach its net zero goal is through sourcing 100 % of its electricity from renewable sources for its operations by 2030 .
“ Target continues to be a top corporate solar user and we ’ re excited to see Target double down on its clean energy commitments with new solar carports and energy efficient buildings through this innovative and sustainable retrofit ,” said Abigail Ross Hopper , President and CEO , Solar Energy Industries Association ( SEIA ). “ We commend the Target team for their leadership and commitment to sustainable operations as the retailer continues to raise the bar for how companies can invest in their business and create a more sustainable future .” x
Additionally , the store switched to carbon dioxide refrigeration – a natural refrigerant – that Target will scale chain-wide by 2040 to reduce its direct operations ’ emissions by 20 %.
“ We ’ ve been working for years at Target to shift toward sourcing more renewable energy and further reducing our carbon footprint , and our Vista store ’ s retrofit is the next step in our sustainability journey and a glimpse of the future we ’ re working toward ,” said John Conlin , Senior Vice President of Properties , Target .
“ Our new stores and remodel programmes are designed to help achieve our sustainability goals as we test , learn and scale our innovations over time across our operations .”
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