Target testing sustainable net zero energy store

Target is pushing forward with its sustainability efforts, following the rollout of its previously announced Target Zero program.

Now, the retailer announced that it has begun testing its most sustainable store to date, which will generate more renewable energy than needed annually to operate and be a test site of various innovations to reduce the building’s emissions, the company said.

Located in Vista, Ca., the store’s retrofit and new features will include 3,420 solar panels across its roof and newly installed carport canopies. In addition, the site is expected to produce up to a 10% energy surplus each that can be transmitted back to the local power grid.

[Read More: Target offering debt-free degrees to team members]

“We’ve been working for years at Target to shift toward sourcing more renewable energy and further reducing our carbon footprint, and our Vista store’s retrofit is the next step in our sustainability journey and a glimpse of the future we’re working toward,” John Conlin, senior vice president of properties at Target said. “Our new stores and remodel programs are designed to help achieve our sustainability goals as we test, learn and scale our innovations over time across our operations.”

Additional building features to reduce emissions include HVAC heating through rooftop solar panels instead of natural gas, carbon dioxide refrigeration, which it plans to scale chain-wide by 2040 to reduce direct operation emissions by 20%, the company said.

[Read More: Target highlights sustainability strategy]

This new California location is also one of the 542 buildings nationwide that feature solar installations, which the Solar Energy Industries Association, or SEIA, has recognized as a top U.S. Corporate Installer with 255 megawatts of energy.

“Target continues to be a top corporate solar user, and we’re excited to see Target double down on its clean energy commitments with new solar carports and energy efficient buildings through this innovative and sustainable retrofit,” Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) said. “We commend the Target team for their leadership and commitment to sustainable operations as the retailer continues to raise the bar for how companies can invest in their business and create a more sustainable future.”

[Read More: Target previews store remodels]

Another ongoing initiative the retailer is working on is recycling, donating and composting at this new location, which supports its goal to divert 90% of its operations waste away from landfills by 2030. Currently, Target is diverting 80% of its operational waste and offers electric vehicle charging spaces.

Lastly, Target shared that it has applied for net-zero energy certification from the International Living Future Institute.