Model House Showcases Home Energy- and Cost-Saving Ideas
PLANO, Texas (Sept. 18, 2009) – JCPenney, one of America’s leading retailers in implementing energy-saving technologies and managing energy consumption, is sponsoring the “Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR” exhibit at the 2009 Plano Balloon Festival. As a three-time ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year and two-time ENERGY STAR Exhibit sponsor, JCPenney understands the importance of taking smart steps to reduce energy usage and lessen its impact on the environment. JCPenney also will sponsor a hot-air balloon that will take part in festival activities.
Built of environmentally friendly materials, the ENERGY STAR exhibit is designed to demonstrate the importance of energy-efficient practices and products in the home as a first step toward saving energy and helping the environment. Festival-goers can take a room-by-room tour of the interactive, custom-built exhibit modeled after an energy-efficient home. In addition to learning about the benefits of ENERGY STAR appliances and energy-saving home improvements, visitors will learn about simple actions they can take immediately in any home that will significantly impact energy bills.
“As the preferred retailer for middle America, we recognize that, now more than ever, every dollar matters to our customers. We want families to discover in their homes what we have learned in our stores – that taking steps to reduce energy use not only helps the environment but also can save money in the long run,” said Rob Keller, energy management and engineering services director for JCPenney.
With more than 1,100 stores operating daily from coast to coast, JCPenney has learned that taking action – even in a small way – can quickly add up to big savings and environmental benefits. For example, an Associate at one JCPenney store found light switches concealed by merchandise in a large stockroom, and by turning the lights off at night, the store instantly reduced its energy bills by 25 percent. At home, where lighting accounts for approximately 20 percent of the average electric bill, simply remembering to turn off lights and other appliances when leaving a room, and getting the whole family involved, is an easy way to save money and benefit the environment.
As a partner in the ENERGY STAR program since 1999, JCPenney has improved energy efficiency throughout its operations using the data and tools available through the program. In addition, the Company has invested more than $100 million in the past six years to install energy management technology, lighting retrofits and high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in its stores. In 2008, the Company reduced energy use and comparable CO2 emissions across its building portfolio by more than 80 million pounds control of energy consumption.
Celebrating its 30th year, the Plano Balloon Festival will attract nearly 100,000 visitors from throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to enjoy hot air balloon launches, balloon rides, live music, food and festivities from September 18-20 at Oak Point Park in Plano. This year’s festival will benefit 42 non-profit organizations that will take part as concessionaires, service providers and exhibitors. For additional information on the Plano Balloon Festival, visit www.planoballoonfest.org.
Media Relations
Ann Marie Bishop or Tim Lyons; (972) 431-3400; jcpcorpcomm@jcpenney.com
About JCPenney
JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,106 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. JCPenney has built a legacy of operating in an ethical and socially responsible manner. In 2007, the Company launched its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative – C.A.R.E.S. – stemming from the vision that JCPenney cares for its Community, Associates, Responsible Sourcing, Environment and Sustainable Products. The Company’s commitment to social responsibility reflects its philosophy that “Every Day Matters” – for its customers, Associates, communities, investors and suppliers. Additional information on JCPenney’s CSR initiatives can be found at http://www.jcpenney.net/social_resp/
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