Target® Seeks LEED Certification for All 2013 Canadian Store Locations

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - As part of Target's long-term commitment to sustainable business practices, the company today announced it is pursuing Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification for all Canadian stores opening in 2013. Design plans include conserving energy and water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting waste sent to landfill, among other features. Target's approach to environmental sustainability is integrated throughout the business, from how stores are built to the products on the shelves.

Target is among the first organizations in Canada to be part of the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Volume Program, which streamlines the certification process for multiple buildings of a similar type. This will make Target a leader among Canadian mass retailers when it comes to LEED buildings.

"We take our role as good corporate citizen very seriously, and we're proud that Target is making a firm commitment to sustainability in Canada," said Tony Fisher, president, Target Canada. "Striving for LEED certification at our 124 stores opening in 2013 is important as we seek to use our resources responsibly and maintain the health of our communities."

"By seeking to transform its portfolio to high-performing, LEED-certified sustainable buildings, Target is setting an important, positive example for the retail industry," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. "Target will improve environmental performance and achieve operational and utility savings. In addition, the educational materials that Target has developed for its partners are outstanding resources for teaching field teams how to implement LEED across a large portfolio of building projects."

Target sites will be renovated for a period of six to nine months prior to opening. An investment of more than $10 million will be spent remodeling each location, including LEED preparations, to ensure a true Target brand shopping experience for Canadian guests. Target stores will be opening throughout 2013, starting in March/April. Design plans for future stores will be announced at a later date.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,781 stores across the United States and at Target.com. The company plans to open its first stores in Canada in 2013. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.ca.

About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCE: Target Canada

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