Kohl’s tops green energy list

Walmart, Lowe’s also among Top 50

-- Home Textiles Today, 4/27/2009 9:40:00 AM

Washington -- Kohl’s emerged as the No. 1 retailer purchasing green power on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Top Partner list.

Kohl’s was the third largest purchaser overall, behind Intell and Pepsico, respectively.

Walmart’s Texas and California facilities were 15 on the list of 50 top green energy buyers. And Lowe’s was 32.

The EPA defines green power as electricity generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources like wind and solar. The resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions.

In 2009, Kohl’s purchased more than 600 million kilowatt-hours of green power through renewable energy credits in areas such as solar, wind and landfill gas. That was more than double Kohl’s previous green power commitment and enough to meet 50% of the company’s purchased electricity use.

Walmart’s more than 243 million kilowatt-hours accounted for 8% of the company’s energy use, and Lowe’s 101 million kilowatt-hours covered 2%.