Kohls Department Stores will pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for more than 80 locations. The certifications are being pursued through the US Green Building Council Portfolio Program and will appear in 28 states nationwide. LEED certified stores will begin opening in fall 2008 and continue through 2009.
The LEED Green Building Rating System(TM) is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings which assesses site planning, water management, energy use, material use, air quality and innovation in the design process among attributes.
As of September 2006 there were only 25 LEED-certified retail locations nationwide; with Kohl's program alone that number will quadruple. Simultaneously, Kohls has begun implementation of solar energy in California and Wisconsin with approvals under way in five other states. And, on Oct. 22, the company was one of 17 organizations nationwide recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a Green Power Leadership Award for being the No. 2 retail purchaser of renewable energy.
“Kohls is committed to being environmentally responsible which was first evidenced through our extensive solar rollout and green power purchases and is now being further extended by the use of green construction methods and LEED certification,” said Ken Bonning, executive vice president of logistics for Kohls.
Some features Kohls plans to include in its green buildings are low-flow toilets, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and recycled and locally obtained building materials. Other initiatives Kohls has implemented to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability are:
- Solar installations under way in more than 60 California locations and three Wisconsin locations in addition to pursuit of solar in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey and Oregon.
- Energy management systems in all stores which include centralized control systems and occupancy sensor lighting for stockrooms, break rooms and offices.
- Use of Energy Star roofs, irrigation controls, localized water heaters and high efficiency lighting, heating and cooling.
- Recycling of cardboard boxes, hangers and packaging at all stores and distribution centers. Last year alone, Kohls recycled more than 100,000 tons of cardboard, plastic and packaging; 89,000 pounds of cans/glass/aluminum and 180 million hangers,
- Merchandise bags made of 20% recycled material and gift boxes made of 100% recycled material.
