Office Depot Recognized as an EPA ENERGY STAR Leader for 2012

Boca Raton, FL — Office Depot, Inc. has been named to the EPA’s list of 2012 ENERGY STAR® Leaders for Leadership in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

 

Boca Raton, FL — Office Depot, Inc., a leading global provider of office supplies and services, has been named to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of 2012 ENERGY STAR® Leaders for Leadership in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. ENERGY STAR Leaders is an elite group of organizations that have improved energy efficiency across entire portfolios of commercial buildings. Office Depot’s significant energy reduction makes the company the first retailer in the United States to be recognized for a 30% or greater improvement.

In the baseline year of 2004, Office Depot facilities emitted 381,689 metric tons of carbon dioxide. By 2011, the carbon footprint of Office Depot’s facilities was 239,319 metric tons — a reduction of 37% over the 7-year period.

“Office Depot is pleased to be recognized as an ENERGY STAR Leader for the second time,” says Edward Costa, vice president of construction for Office Depot.

The achievement was accomplished as a result of investing in energy efficiency and green building initiatives. Such projects have included a major de-lamping effort and a change to energy-efficient lamps, reflectors and ballasts; the installation of motion detectors in receiving areas; continued upgrades to building HVAC systems; and aggressive energy management controls and monitoring.

“Making our buildings more energy-efficient is one of the most effective ways for American businesses, government and other organizations to save money and reduce the pollution going into the air we breathe,” says Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “With help from EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, leaders like Office Depot are benefitting their bottom lines while protecting our health and the environment.”

Office Depot stores in Plano, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; and Tallahassee, Fla., won the top three spots for retail energy efficiency gains in the 2011 EPA ENERGY STAR National Building Competition. The company’s global headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla., received ENERGY STAR certification in 2011. Office Depot was recognized as an ENERGY STAR Leader for 2011 for over 20% energy efficiency improvement across its domestic portfolio compared to its 2004 baseline.

Ranked the greenest retailer in the U.S. by Newsweek magazine, Office Depot has consistently built and operated environmentally sustainable stores and facilities over the past 5 years. For more information on Office Depot’s environmental strategy, visit www.officedepot.com/environment.

Launched in 1992 by EPA, ENERGY STAR is a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR program. For more information about ENERGY STAR Leaders, visit www.energystar.gov/Leaders.

Office Depot has 1,678 retail stores worldwide. To read Retail Facility Business’ cover story on Office Depot and its environmental initiatives, please click here.