Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2015 48 THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S (EPA) ENERGY STAR ® IS THE ONLY BUILDING CERTIFICATION BASED STRICTLY ON ACTUAL, MEASURED ENERGY DATA. BUT IS IT ONLY INTENDED FOR LARGE BUILDINGS AND BUSINESSES? FIND OUT HOW ENERGY STAR CAN BENEFIT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS! M om and Pop" stores play an important role in building vibrant communities and strong local economies, and it is increasingly clear that individually owned businesses are also leading their communities toward greater environmental responsibility. Why the shift? Small businesses are discovering a big competitive edge in sustainability and green certification. After all, 70% of U.S. consumers report that they consider it 'somewhat' or 'very important' that companies are environmentally friendly. And among all major environmental issues, U.S. consumers consider energy to be the most important! Finding creative ways to let customers know that you're doing your part to cut energy waste and protect the environment can be difficult. You may already sell high-efficiency products and appliances certified by ENERGY STAR, but did you know that the building you own or lease can also earn certification? ENERGY STAR certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings, and ENERGY STAR certification is the only green building certification based exclusively on actual, verified energy performance. Today, more than 4,000 retail stores are ENERGY STAR certified. Many of these belong to national retail giants like Target and Staples – both 2015 ENERGY STAR Top Certifiers – each with well over 150 certified buildings nationwide, and strong corporate commitments to saving energy and protecting the environment. But here's the good news: EPA's ENERGY STAR certification isn't just for large buildings or companies. In fact, more than 200 smaller retail stores –between 5,000 and 10,000 square feet – have also earned certification. For example, Ritzman Appliance Center in Hales Corner, Wisconsin has been family-owned since 1950. Its 5,000-square- foot building was constructed in 2012 and earned the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance in 2014. Not only does Ritzman offer an array of ENERGY STAR certified products proven to use less energy – it also "walks the talk" by operating efficiently. Another family-owned business,Monroe Office Equipment in Monroe, Louisiana, was founded in 1923 and earned the ENERGY STAR for its 6,500-square-foot location in order to demonstrate its commitment to operating efficiently, and to doing its part to protect the environment and save money. ENERGY STAR certification isn't just for appliance and electronics retailers. Children's World Uniform Supply, a 7,000- square-foot clothing store in Sarasota, Florida, earned the ENERGY STAR signifying superior energy performance last year in 2014! SO, WHAT CAN ENERGY STAR DO FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE? • Boost consumer appeal. The ENERGY STAR is recognized by more than 89% of U.S. households as a symbol of superior energy performance and environmental protection. WHAT CAN ENERGY STAR ® DO FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? E N E R G Y S T A R [ N E W S ] "

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