MINNEAPOLIS, MN - As we look toward the future of retail, sustainability as both practice and program will undoubtedly drive decision making. One company standing out in this arena is Target, which recently announced its most sustainable store to date. The Vista, California, location will generate more renewable energy than it needs annually to operate. It will also test multiple innovations to reduce the building’s emissions.

“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,” said John Conlin, Senior Vice President of Properties. “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.”

According to a release, the site is expected to produce up to a 10 percent energy surplus each year.

With this new store in place, Target is taking notes on the retrofit and new features to inform the chain’s future investments in new stores and remodel programs.

News of this new store followed after the retailer revealed its $5 billion investment plan to scale its operations.

“Years of investment in our team and business have driven our sales beyond $100 billion and positioned Target to meet the needs of our guests no matter how they choose to shop,” said Michael Fiddelke, Chief Financial Officer. “We see substantial opportunities to build on our core capabilities to drive deeper guest engagement and long-term growth.”

As Target continues working toward renewable energy and sustainable programs, this trade news writer can’t help but think what else the chain has planned to elevate the produce aisle in the future.

Click here to learn more about Target’s first net-zero energy store, and here to learn more about the retailer’s investment strategy. And keep an eye out for ANUK to report on the latest.

Target