4.14.2005 ET

(CSRwire) SEATTLE - As part of its multi-faceted environmental sustainability strategy, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) announced today that it has committed to purchase enough clean, renewable wind energy, using renewable energy certificates, to match five percent of the energy needed to power its Company-operated stores in North America.

"Starbucks is mindful of the long-term implications that climate change has on the environment," said Sandra Taylor, Starbucks senior vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility. "Because the energy used at our retail stores makes up nearly 50 percent of our total greenhouse gas emissions, this is a natural starting point for us. By supporting renewable energy sources we believe we are taking a step in the right direction and encourage other businesses to do the same."

Starbucks voluntarily conducted an inventory of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2004 in an effort to understand and evaluate its contribution to climate change. As a result, the Company committed to setting an emissions reduction target in 2005. Additionally, Starbucks has joined with other organizations to learn how to address this issue and how to engage others in doing the same. Starbucks recently joined the Climate Group and the World Resources Institute's Green Power Market Development Group, and announced its financial commitment to Global Green USA in support of their innovative efforts to bring together governments, businesses and individuals to take action on climate change.

"Starbucks is to be congratulated for taking a leadership stance on climate change," said Jonathan Lash, president, World Resources Institute. "It is critical that U.S. businesses aggressively take action if the most serious effects of climate change are to be averted. A successful climate future is simply not possible without immediate participation."

The move to purchase renewable energy for its Company-operated stores - generated by approximately 11 large-scale windmills - is estimated to cut emissions by two percent. It also catapults the Company into the current top 25 U.S. purchasers of renewable energy.

"Even subtle changes in the climate globally may significantly impact the quality of life in coffee growing communities," continued Taylor. "Therefore, climate change is an important part of our overall social responsibility efforts."

Starbucks five percent commitment translates into an annual carbon dioxide emissions reduction of 34,209,600 pounds. This reduction is comparable to annually removing nearly 3,232 cars from the road or powering approximately 2,500 homes.

Starbucks is committed to environmental leadership in all facets of the Company and believes environmental stewardship is an essential component of its business performance. Starbucks continually looks for innovations that can help minimize the environmental footprint of its entire supply chain - from embracing green building, energy and water conservation and waste reduction in retail stores and facilities, to leadership in improving coffee farming practices and environmental initiatives in local communities. For more information about Starbucks environmental efforts, Starbucks Corporate Social Responsibility Annual Report is available at www.starbucks.com/csrannualreport.com.

For information about the following organizations, please visit their websites:
Climate Group www.theclimategroup.org
World Resources Institute (WRI) www.wri.org and www.thegreenpowergroup.org
Global Green USA www.globalgreen.org

About Starbucks Coffee Company
Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with more than 9,000 retail locations in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. The Company is committed to offering the highest quality coffee and the Starbucks Experience while conducting its business in ways that produce social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in which it does business.

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