Friday 18 March 2022

Target launches first net zero energy store in California

Target has announced the launch of its first net zero energy store as a model to test new innovations that support the retailer's efforts to achieve its sustainability goals.

The Vista store in California will generate more renewable energy than it needs annually to operate and will test multiple innovations to reduce the building's emissions.

Renewable power will be generated through 3,420 solar panels that have been installed across its roof and newly-installed carport canopies, with the site expected to produce up to 10% surplus energy every year that it can send to the local power grid.

The store has also switched from carbon dioxide refrigeration to using natural refrigerant and powers its HVAC heating through the rooftop solar panels,.

In addition, Target has applied for net zero energy certification from the International Living Future Institute.

The project supports the retailer's commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and source 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources for its operations by 2030.

Since 2017, it has already reduced direct emissions from its operations by nearly 27%.

John Conlin, Senior Vice President of properties, Target said: “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.

“Our new stores and remodel programs are designed to help achieve our sustainability goals as we test, learn and scale our innovations over time across our operations.”