As the company’s massive solar program indicates, Target takes corporate sustainability seriously. In 2016, the company exceeded Walmart in solar power production. Today, Target stands out as a solar leader in the retail industry. Check out how Target accomplished its solar goal and the impact and advantage this type of sustainability has on other companies.
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Situation: Target Leads in Solar Panel Installations
A new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) named Target the top corporate consumer of solar power. Until 2016, Walmart was at the top of the list. Target now produces 2 megawatts more solar power than Walmart does.
Target installed approximately 70 megawatts of solar panels across its facilities in 2016. That brings its total to 147 megawatts across 300 stores. In comparison, Walmart has 145 megawatts of solar panels across 364 facilities. Target doesn’t plan to stop at solar panels on 300 stores, though. The company plans to install panels on 500 retail locations, distribution centers, and other corporate facilities by 2020.
Tom Kimbis, an SEIA representative said, “These blue-chip companies are proof that sustainability and profitability is not an either-or proposition … Investing in solar is a commonsense decision that pays dividends for both the environment and companies’ bottom lines.” That’s why Target is incorporating solar energy into its sustainability plan and company culture.
Approach: Target’s Dedication to Sustainability
Target’s 2016 investment in solar energy proves the company’s dedication to sustainability. This
move offers many benefits beyond a decreased environmental impact, though. In addition,
Target is saving money on energy costs and supporting jobs in the solar industry. As the cost of
traditional forms of energy increases, Target will realize the cost savings from solar energy even
more.
As John Leisen, Vice President of Property Management at Target, said, “At Target,
sustainability is a principle that drives the decisions we make across the company — from the
products we make to the way we run our business. We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve
made in improving building efficiencies and reducing environmental impact.”
Impact and Advantage
Target and Walmart are not the only retailers with major solar installations at their facilities.
Costco, IKEA, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Apple also power many of their stores with solar panels.
Each company received recognition in SEIA’s solar power report.
Target hopes more retailers will realize the benefits of solar energy and incorporate it into their
own sustainability plans. As the world’s population continues to grow, the strain on natural
resources increases. Solar power is a renewable and sustainable resource. Plus, it helps reduce
carbon emissions and keeps energy costs low.
The cost of solar has decreased dramatically in recent years. This lower cost enables retailers to
incorporate solar into their sustainability plans. Target is a clear leader that inspires other
retailers to use alternative forms of energy. Walmart will continue to be a major player in solar
energy and compete for the top spot on the SEIA report, but for now, Target leads the way.
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