JCPenney 2007 Annual Report Download - page 18

connecting with
our communities
our corporate conscience JCPenney
sharpened its focus on being a good corporate citizen by
launching a comprehensive social responsibility strategy –
JCPenney C.A.R.E.S. – which focuses on positively impacting
the areas of Community, Associates, Responsible Sourcing,
Environment and Sustainable Products.
The following are 2007 highlights of JCPenney C.A.R.E.S.
EPA Industry Leadership The Company in 2007 became the
first retailer to earn the government’s ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year
Award for Energy Management, and has again earned this honor in
2008. Additionally, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
introduced a new efficiency rating for general merchandise retail
stores in October, four of our stores in Washington state were the
first to qualify for the rating, saving a combined estimate of $250,000
in utility costs per year compared to other stores of their size.
Energy and Waste Reduction JCPenney continues to seek
cost-effective ways to reduce energy use, waste and greenhouse
gas emissions by investing more than $75 million over five years to
retrofit existing stores with more efficient lighting, HVAC systems
and energy management technology.
Recycling Initiatives Our stores and logistics facilities helped
reduce waste by recycling 95,000 tons of cardboard and more
than 13,000 tons of plastic in 2007.
Transportation Advances JCPenney reduces emissions from
transportation activities by working with its carriers on more
efficient routing, as well as participation in the EPA’s SmartWay
Transport Partnership, the Coalition for Responsible Transportation
and other industry initiatives.
Supplier Compliance Extending our influence to suppliers,
JCPenney has implemented a broad-based program for monitoring
suppliers’ compliance with labor, health and safety regulations,
and is working to identify new ways to reduce the environmental
impact of their manufacturing processes.
“Green” Merchandise With a robust portfolio of private brands,
JCPenney launched Simply Green, an exclusive-to-JCPenney
designation of organic, recycled and renewable merchandise,
which assists customers in making environmentally conscious
purchases. Enlisting expertise from environmental lifestyle expert
Danny Seo, JCPenney demonstrates that customers don’t need to
sacrifice style and quality to make an impact on the environment.
The Associate Connection Our annual Giving Together Campaign
supported both the United Way of America and the JCPenney
Afterschool Fund, raising more than $11.6 million in 2007.
Additionally, to inspire and reward Associates who volunteer,
the James Cash Penney Award for Community Service program
provided contributions to charity organizations in honor of
Associates’ volunteer service – nearly 343,000 hours in 2007 alone.
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This summary report is printed using
50% recycled paper with 15% post-consumer
fiber which qualifies for both the Green Seal and
Green-e environmental certifications.
Our Corporate
Social Responsibility
report will be available
in spring 2008 online
at www.jcpenney.net.
Simply Green designated merchandise is highlighted
in special zones throughout the store.