8.13.2008 - 04:08pm ET

(CSRwire) PLANO, Texas, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Demonstrating its commitment to adopting renewable power sources that deliver both environmental and business benefits, J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today announced plans for solar and wind power projects that will supply electricity to 10 stores and one distribution center. The pilot projects represent the next step for JCPenney in its efforts to leverage new technologies and engage its 155,000 Associates in innovative energy programs. In conjunction with these initiatives, JCPenney also announced plans to obtain ENERGY STAR certification for at least 200 stores.

"Hosting these solar and wind projects will add to our knowledge of the benefits and potential applications of renewable energy programs at our facilities," said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman and chief executive officer. "Together with the energy-saving initiatives we already have in place in our stores and distribution centers, this is another significant step toward achieving our environmental objectives. With enthusiastic support from JCPenney Associates nationwide, we are constantly looking for opportunities to contribute to a cleaner environment and run our business more cost effectively."

Brightening the Future With Solar Energy
JCPenney has engaged SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR) to install solar power systems on 10 JCPenney stores in California and New Jersey. Producing more than 4 megawatts of clean electric power, the systems will help avoid emissions of approximately 146,000 tons of carbon dioxide over their 30-year expected lifetime, which is equal to the annual greenhouse gas emissions generated by more than 800 cars.

The solar systems will be financed, owned and operated by a third-party financier, from which JCPenney will purchase the solar-generated electricity under a SunPower Access(TM) power purchase agreement. The rooftop installations, expected to be complete in November, will provide immediate savings through lower-than-utility solar energy costs and a long-term energy hedge for nearly 25 percent of the energy used at the stores. The 10 pilot stores will also benefit from the installation of new energy-efficient lighting and advanced energy management systems that will help reduce their energy consumption.

California stores scheduled to receive solar systems are located in El Cajon, Palmdale, Redlands and Santa Clarita, and the New Jersey store locations are in Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Brunswick, Freehold, Wayne and Woodbridge.

Capturing the Wind
JCPenney has also reached an agreement with Broadstar Wind Systems on a pilot program to install wind turbines at JCPenney's 1.6 million square-foot distribution center in Reno, Nev. The program will utilize Broadstar's innovative, building-mounted AeroCam wind turbines, which capture energy and generate power more efficiently than conventional three-blade turbines. After installation is completed in November, JCPenney will purchase electricity generated by the system from Broadstar.

"These projects further our commitment to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of our operations. We will closely monitor the results to determine how we can best leverage these innovative methods to increase our participation in renewable energy projects while also benefiting our business," said Jim Thomas, vice president and director of corporate social responsibility for JCPenney. "We are proud of what we are accomplishing as an organization to reduce energy consumption and extend JCPenney's legacy of social responsibility, and our Associates remain focused on seeking new ways to protect the environment."

Adding to the ENERGY STAR Galaxy
In addition to pursuing renewable power sources, JCPenney continues to utilize industry best practices and tools provided by the U.S. government's ENERGY STAR program to increase energy efficiency in its stores. In 2007, four JCPenney stores became the first in the industry to qualify for ENERGY STAR certification under a new rating system designed for non-grocery retail stores. The Company has set a goal to achieve ENERGY STAR certification of at least 200 stores across the country by 2011. To be certified, stores must achieve an energy efficiency rating in the top quartile for all retail stores while maintaining appropriate levels of comfort and air quality.

Putting Extra Energy Into Conservation
In addition to the solar and wind projects announced today, JCPenney continues to expand its expertise in energy management, which contributed to the Company being named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for energy management in 2007 and 2008. Initiatives the Company has undertaken to increase energy efficiency and minimize power requirements include:

• Engaging Associates: One Associate in each store is designated as Energy Captain, taking on responsibility to help communicate the importance of energy and resource conservation to the Store team.
  
• Energy Management Systems (EMS). By the end of 2008, approximately 800 stores will be equipped with an EMS, which provides remote monitoring and control of electrical and mechanical systems, monitors store comfort levels and helps identify opportunities for saving energy.
  
• Retrofitting store equipment. JCPenney continues to invest in replacing older lighting and HVAC systems with high-efficiency equipment. In 2007, a total of 167 stores received lighting retrofits that will save more than 27 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, compared with older systems.

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