Aug. 14, 2008 - JCPenney, which in 2007 became one of the first retailers to qualify for the U.S. EPA's Energy Star certification for non-grocery stores, has set a goal to achieve certification for at least 200 more U.S. locations by 2011.

To become Energy Star-certified, stores must achieve an energy efficiency rating in the top quartile for all retail stores while maintaining baseline levels for air quality.

JCPenney has also announced plans for a series of solar and wind power projects. The company is installing rooftop solar installations at ten stores in California and New Jersey. The arrays, when completed this November, will supply nearly 25% of the energy used at the stores, according to JCPenney. The stores will also receive energy-efficient lighting upgrades and advanced energy management systems to help reduce overall energy consumption. In addition, JCPenney says it will install wind turbines at its 1.6 million-square-foot distribution center in Reno, Nev.

"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," says Jim Thomas, vice president and director of corporate social responsibility for JCPenney.