/PRNewswire/ - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) with a 2010 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting environmental resources through energy efficiency. This is the Company's second time to win the prestigious Sustained Excellence Award since receiving the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year awards in 2007 and 2008. JCPenney's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18.

"JCPenney is honored for its inclusive approach to reducing energy usage throughout its entire operation by incorporating superior energy management into its overall organizational objectives," said Gina McCarthy, EPA assistant administrator. "That is why EPA is proud to recognize JCPenney with our highest ENERGY STAR distinction "“ the 2010 Sustained Excellence Award."

JCPenney is credited with being the first national retailer to achieve Sustained Excellence for its comprehensive "hands-on" approach to energy management. Last year, the Company invested more than $10 million to install advanced meter technology, lighting retrofits and high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in Stores across the country with nine locations utilizing solar power. In addition, JCPenney has adopted an enterprise-wide culture of energy stewardship that encourages every Associate to seek innovative ways to save energy.

"We believe everyone has a responsibility to minimize their impact on the environment," said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman and chief executive officer of JCPenney. "This award is a testament to our Associates who demonstrate each day how their individual actions and habits can have a profound effect in achieving energy conservation."

Currently, 96 JCPenney stores and the JCPenney Home Office in Plano, Texas have qualified for the ENERGY STAR Building Label. The Company expects to expand the number of ENERGY STAR certifications to 200 Stores by the end of 2010.

About JCPenney
JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,110 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.Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $17.6 billion in 2009 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's 154,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.

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