October 10, 2003—Coinciding with the start of National Energy Efficiency Month, Tennessee and North Carolina officials recently honored Lowe’s for its corporate energy initiatives and leadership. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) presented Lowe’s with its first ever Green Power Switch Leadership Award. Green Power Switch is a renewable energy option that provides electricity generated by clean, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and methane gas. Similarly, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) honored Lowe’s with the Tennessee Energy Leadership Award.
In 2002, Lowe’s committed to purchase Green Power Switch for all its facilities within the TVA region where available. At present, energy produced under Green Power guidelines is used at 34 Lowe’s stores in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia. The annual environmental impact of the Lowe’s Green Power purchase is the equivalent of planting over 900 acres of trees. Lowe’s is also the only corporation to sign on as a founding sponsor for a similar initiative being introduced by North Carolina.
Lowe’s other energy efforts include the recent installation of one of the largest commercial solar rooftop electric systems in the nation and the largest at any retail store in the country, at its West Hills, California, store. The PowerLight solar generation system covers 37,500 square feet, and produces enough electricity during the daytime to power more than 370 homes.
The EPA and Department of Energy (DOE) have also named Lowe’s the 2003 ENERGY STAR Retail Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting and selling energy-efficient products.
