We recognize that we have a responsibility—as team members, as a company, and as global citizens—to minimize our environmental footprint. So we've sought ways to reduce waste, use energy more efficiently, and operate more sustainably. We're proud of our accomplishments and we're continually improving, one store at a time.

One way we're improving the quality of our buildings and reducing their impact on the environment is by following the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System that influences several of our design attributes and key design decisions.

Learn more about LEED and Target stores
Learn more about Target's environmental philosophy

We see everything from raw materials to packaged products as a valuable asset to protect. Through our comprehensive recycling and reuse programs, we've cut our waste by 70%. We're encouraged by our success and continue to seek out opportunities to expand our programs.

In 2006, Target:

• Reused 385 million garment hangers and recycled 2.1 million pounds of plastic and 153,000 pounds of metal from broken hangers.
• Recycled 911.1 million pounds of cardboard, the largest portion by weight of our recycled materials.
• Recycled 4.3 million pounds of shrink wrap at our distribution centers.
• Recycled 10,400 pounds of rechargeable batteries collected from guests. This program provides a safe and convenient option for Target guests to dispose of batteries containing hazardous components.
• Recycled or refurbished 47,600 broken shopping carts.

Target puts tremendous focus on designing and operating energy-efficient stores and facilities. We also track and report our annual greenhouse-gas emissions, as part of our involvement in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary Climate Leaders program. Here are some ways that Target conserves energy:

• Energy-efficient fluorescent lamps are used throughout our stores, a first in the retail industry. We are currently changing our sales floor lighting from a three-lamp to a two-lamp fixture, which will reduce our energy consumption by 22 percent.
• Motion-sensor lighting in our stockrooms keep areas lit only when needed.
• Energy use for lighting, refrigeration equipment, heating and cooling is carefully monitored to be as efficient as possible.
• When economically feasible, energy is purchased from renewable sources.
• We are in the process of switching our exterior neon signs to LED, which will increase energy efficiency by 78 percent.
• Four stores in California draw 20 percent of their annual electricity needs from their own rooftop solar-panel systems. In 2007, Target will retrofit 14 more California stores to operate on solar power.
• Since the early 1990s, we have used white membranes on our store roofs, which reflect the sun's heat, helping to reduce the heat-island effect of the store.

Target's innovative thinking goes beyond waste reduction and energy conservation. From new store construction to our merchandise, many aspects of our operations benefit the environment. We work to identify strategies that help us operate more sustainably.

• Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) carpet, adhesives, sealants and paint are specified for all new store construction.
• Our Developers Guide includes site criteria for low-impact development assessments.
• We have explored innovative new site-design techniques, many of which have focused on conserving energy and controlling urban storm-water runoff.
• Using our expertise, we're able to redevelop environmentally impaired properties ("brownfields") or reuse existing buildings. In 2006, more than one-third of our new store construction projects involved redevelopments.
• Vendor guidelines assist our partners in the U.S. and overseas in identifying packaging options with less environmental impact and greater recycling potential.
• Environment-friendly merchandise includes non-toxic cleaners, compact fluorescent light bulbs, organic foods and ENERGY STAR-rated electronics.
• We also carry products made from recycled-content materials, such as greeting cards, office paper, doormats, and gardening products.

The Target food donation program reduces food waste while helping hungry families.

• Partnership with America's Second Harvest provides unsold grocery items to food banks nationwide.
• In 2006, donated food totals topped 7.8 million pounds, which is the equivalent of 6.2 million meals.
• This program will continue to grow as our food assortments expand.

See our Corporate Responsibility overview

• American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Member
• American Society of Testing Methods (ASTM), Member
• International Council of Shopping Centers, Member
• National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM), Board Member
• National Brownfield Association, Member
• National Recycling Coalition (NRC), Member
• Recycling Association of Minnesota, Board Member
• Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Member
• United States Environmental Protection Agency, Member of Climate Leaders, Stormwater Runoff Strategies Partner, Energy Star, and WasteWise programs
• United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Member, National Committee (Application Guide for Retail)

Private Sector Innovation Award Finalist, Minnesota Environmental Initiative

Waste Reduction Awards Program Winner, California Integrated Waste Management Board