jcpenney Bolsters Environmental Commitment by Increasing ENERGY STAR Certifications to 400 Stores

PLANO, Texas, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To support its Company-wide goal to reduce facility energy use 20 percent by 2015, J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today announced that it will bolster its participation in the ENERGY STAR program by increasing its building certifications to 400 stores by the end of 2013. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards the ENERGY STAR certification to buildings that rank within the top 25 percent of similar commercial buildings nationwide by meeting strict energy performance levels set by the EPA. The announcement coincides with the jcpenney brand receiving the 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award – the highest award bestowed by the EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) for its comprehensive "hands-on" approach to energy management.

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"We've made strong progress toward our 2015 energy reduction target and now we're taking our energy conservation efforts to the next level by doubling our ENERGY STAR commitment from 200 to 400 certified stores by encouraging greater associate involvement and investing in energy efficiency improvements," said Mike Theilmann, group executive vice president for jcpenney. "Receiving the 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award for the third consecutive year is a testament to our committed team of associates who help deliver on that goal by implementing energy-saving practices across our 1,100 locations."

Last year, the Company invested more than $12 million in the installation of high-efficiency lighting, advanced metering technologies as well as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems throughout its stores and supply chain units. Improvements planned for 2011 include lighting retrofits for 240 stores, installation of 45,000 energy efficient LED accent lamps and expanding its advanced metering technologies to 165 facilities, which provides daily reports of electricity usage to help identify opportunities for substantial savings. To champion these energy-saving activities, jcpenney encourages associates throughout the Company to serve on teams that spearhead responsibility for monitoring energy usage data and addressing areas for improvement.

"jcpenney's long term commitment to energy efficiency demonstrates the types of accomplishments that we can all achieve in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our global environment," said Elizabeth Craig, acting director of EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs.  "We look forward to their continued partnership and leadership."

The Company's energy strategy is a reflection of its legacy of responsible corporate citizenship known as jcp cares. The spirit of jcp cares is brought to life each day by focusing on three key pillars of support: afterschool, community and environment. For detailed information regarding jcp cares initiatives, visit jcpenney.net.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with energy use. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 kinds of products as well as new homes and buildings. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $18 billion on their utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas equivalent to those of 34 million cars. Products, homes and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR prevent emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA.  For more information, go to energystar.gov.

About J. C. Penney Company, Inc.

J. C. Penney Company, Inc., one of America's leading retailers, operates over 1,100 jcpenney 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. Serving more than half of America's families each year, the jcpenney brand offers a wide array of private, exclusive and national brands which reflect the Company's vision to be America's shopping destination for discovering great styles at compelling prices. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the $17.8 billion retailer is transforming its organization to support its Long Range Plan strategies to build a sustainable, profitable enterprise that serves its customers, engages its associates and rewards its shareholders.  For more information visit, www.jcpenney.net.

jcpenney media relations:
Daphne Avila; 972-431-3400; [email protected]

SOURCE jcpenney