Commercial, Demand Management, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Commercial, Sourcing Renewables - October 26, 2017
Best Buy fast-tracks energy, fleet efficiency, RE use
Photo of a Best Buy store, featuring LED lighting and updated heating and cooling systems, provided by Best Buy.
Best Buy on Oct. 26 rolled out new commitments to reduce its carbon emissions, accelerating its previous plans in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy and fleet optimization.
The retailer and services provider aims to cut its carbon footprint 60% by 2020; in 2016, it surpassed its prior goal of a 45% reduction, four years ahead of schedule. Speaking at the annual BSR conference, Chief Sustainability Office Laura Bishop connected recent natural disasters to the consumer electronics corporation's plans to fast-track its plans.
"The majority of Americans — and certainly our own employees and customers — are worried about the environment, especially after recent devastating events on the U.S. mainland, and in Puerto Rico and Mexico," Bishop said, according to a news release. "We're moving even faster now to address this issue as a company and as a resource for customers who choose to be more environmentally responsible themselves."
Best Buy said its new efforts will expand on current initiatives such as:
- Continuing to embrace technology to drive energy-efficient operations. The company said technologies such as LED lighting and updated heating and cooling systems are expected to further reduce carbon emissions to 40%.
- Placing more focus on securing offsite renewable energy sources and the purchase of certified renewable energy credits. Best Buy said these efforts will offset another 20% of its carbon footprint.
- The introduction a new Geekmobile fleet in 2016, comprised of more than 1,200 Toyota Prius c hybrids. Best Buy recently added another 300 vehicles to the Prius c line-up for its team of in-home advisors, says it will continue to pursue even more efficient vehicle options as they become available.
- Broadening its selection of energy-efficient appliances and smart home products. The company says doing this will further help customers easily achieve their own energy savings.
In May 2016, Best Buy agreed to increase its use of renewable energy following a request from the New York State Common Retirement Fund, a significant shareholder of the company.
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