Target Outlines Environmental Sustainability Efforts

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/25/2011 4:06:14 AM

MINNEAPOLIS - Target Corp. is outlining an aggressive approach to sustainability with its newly released company-wide commitment to the environment.
     Target's environmental efforts also include several newly set milestones to achieve over the next five-year period. "We believe the commitments announced today will guide our ongoing efforts to further engage Target suppliers, team members and guests in our sustainability initiatives," said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and ceo.
     The company has listed its commitments to environmental sustainability, along with additional sustainability efforts, at its hereforgood.target.com/environment website.
     These commitments include:
     • Expanding the selection of sustainable product choices;
     • Creating buildings that use space more efficiently;
     • Using resources responsibly, eliminating waste, and minimizing its carbon footprint.
     The longer-term milestones for 2016 for resource use, waste elimination and carbon footprint reduction include:
     • Reducing the percentage of operating waste sent to landfills by 15%;
     • Reducing water usage by 10% percent per square foot;
     • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10% per square foot and 20% per dollar of retail sales;
     • Earning the "Energy Star" label from the Environmental Protection Agency for at least 75% of its buildings;
    • Improving the efficiency of general merchandise transportation inbound to distribution centers by 15% and outbound by 20%, and supporting the adoption of cleaner and more fuel-efficient transportation practices.
     "Target's portfolio-wide approach to tracking energy performance exemplifies how benchmarking can drive improved energy efficiency and carbon reductions," said Alyssa Quarforth, national program manager for commercial property markets, Energy Star.