Operational Elements
Green Power
Renewable Energy Credits have been purchased to “green” 35% of this building’s power in the form of renewable energy sources from landfill gases. These credits are supplied to Kohl’s from Waste Management Renewable Energy. Waste Management generates energy at landfills across the country and is a major trash hauler for the store.
35% of the power supplied to the new stores will be generated by renewable sources, including landfill gases provided to us by our primary trash hauler and construction waste hauler/recycler.
Building Efficiency/Thermal Comfort/Commissioning
Building efficiency helps the environment and saves money. Kohl’s installs mechanical controlling systems to effectively monitor both the heating and cooling of all new stores. Six to ten months after the new stores are occupied, a Commissioning agent will reevaluate and adjust the building's HVAC to optimize efficiency and enhance the thermal comfort of the employees and customers. These systems will also be balanced and reviewed two times per year by experts in the field to ensure a continual optimization of building energy use.
Air Quality
Improved indoor air quality enhances the work environment for Kohl’s employees and customers. Chemically polluted indoor air can lead to illness, respiratory problems, nausea, fatigue and increased absenteeism. New Kohl’s stores are constructed with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) materials. VOCs are present in many conventional building materials and can be odorous, irritating and harmful to those who inhale them. The low VOC materials used in Kohl’s stores reduce the fumes associated with paints, sealants, carpets, adhesives, insulation and wall systems. Kohl’s stores feature increased fresh air ventilation, carbon monoxide monitoring and a strict NO SMOKING policy within 25 feet of the building; all contributing to improved air quality of the buildings.
Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring & Increased Ventilation
Kohl’s stores feature a great amount of fresh air ventilation and carbon monoxide monitoring. A centralized energy management system controls the HVAC units within each store. The units are programmed to provide an adequate supply of outside air at times when cooling is not needed in the buildings. Fresh air will constantly be circulated throughout the new stores. The increased amount of ventilation in Kohl’s stores adds to the overall air quality of the building during seasons when buildings often become stagnant and closed up.
Green Housekeeping
The use of “green” cleaning supplies reduces the exposure of new store occupants and maintenance staff to potentially harmful chemicals which can adversely impact the air quality of the building. New Kohl’s stores will be cleaned using green housekeeping methods and green chemicals approved by Kohl’s and supplied by our contract cleaning vendors. In addition, all restroom paper products are made from 100% recycled materials.
On-Site Recycling
Did you know that by recycling one aluminum can, enough energy is saved to run a TV for 3 hours? Or that every ton of office paper recycled saves 380 gallons of oil? Recycling is the right thing to do! New Kohl’s stores recycle office paper, cans, glass, cardboard, hangers and plastic. Receptacles throughout the facility are designated for the sorting and collection of refuse materials that can be recycled. There is even an area for our employees and customers to bring in plastic bags from home to further support recycling!
Sustainability Education
If you are reading this webpage, Kohl’s hopes you know a little more about sustainability and transforming our future. Encouraging environmental values is a key strategy and commitment at Kohl’s. We talk about it often, to our shareholders, associates, vendors, customers and business partners. Our program is called Kohl’s Green Scene-Transforming our Future. To learn more about Kohl’s sustainability programs go to our website: www.kohlsgreenscene.com.
Learn more about LEED & Sustainable Design and Kohl's Green Scene initative on KohlsGreenScene.com.
