Environmental Sustainability
With more than 3800 full-line and specialty stores in the U.S. and Canada, Sears Holdings recognizes the importance of being a positive, contributing member of the communities in which we work and live. Part of that is tied to the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Sears Holdings currently has programs aimed at strengthening the company’s paper policy, reducing the energy consumption at our stores, recycling in our facilities and helping our customers reduce their own carbon footprints. Some of the initiatives are happening now, and some are a work in progress.
Energy
Between 2004 and 2006 SHC has reduced electricity consumption by over 230 million kWh on a comparable store basis. In 2007 SHC was on track to reduce electricity consumption by an additional 150 million kWh over 2006. The electric consumption plan for 2008 has a reduction target of over 200 million kWh yielding nearly 600 million kWh in 4 years.
This remarkable reduction has been achieved by:
- Aggressively retrofitting inefficient metal halide and T12 fluorescent lighting with energy efficient T8 or T5 fluorescent lighting
- Cadenced replacement of incandescent lighting with Compact Florescent Lighting (CFL)
- Cadenced replacement of incandescent exit signs with LED exit signs
- Cadenced installation of motion sensors to control lighting in distribution centers and stockrooms
- Widespread use of energy management systems (EMS) to control HVAC and lighting
- Targeted installation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) controlling air handlers
- Targeted installation of energy efficient HVAC Roof Top Units (RTU) and chillers
- Targeted replacement of roofs with energy efficient material
- Strict policies regulating building temperature settings
- Strict policies regarding light levels
- Voluntary energy curtailment efforts during peak energy demand
- Aggressive monthly review of energy usage
Paper
Sears Holdings Corporation believes in the responsible use of natural resources and our preference is to work with suppliers that practice sustainable forestry. We continue to work within the supply chain to promote certification of forests and fiber. We've developed a paper policy to address many of these issues.
For additional information on Canadian forest products, please visit FPAC.
Polyvinyl Chloride
Sears Holdings Corporation PVC Policy
Some studies suggest that the manufacture, use and disposal of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is directly or indirectly linked to both environmental and health concerns. Sears Holdings Corporation is working to reduce and phase out PVC in its packaging and merchandise.
As such, Sears Holdings Corporation will:
- Identify safer, more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to PVC and incorporate them into the design and manufacturing process for private label merchandise and packaging;
- Show preference for PVC-free materials that do not contain highly hazardous chemicals and set a long term goal of sourcing bio-based polymers that are sustainably sourced, have higher recycled content, and can be reused, recycled, or composted;
- Show preference to incorporate the Society of the Plastics Industry labeling system on private label merchandise packaging to make it easier for consumers to incorporate packaging options into their purchase decision;
- Show preference to mark private label merchandise as PVC-free when true;
- Encourage vendors to reduce or eliminate their use of PVC in merchandise and packaging;
- Encourage vendors to utilize the Society of the Plastics Industry labeling system on packaging;
- Encourage vendors to label their merchandise as PVC-free when true.
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