Amazon and Target have announced they are seeking net zero certification from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) for two store locations as part of their continuing efforts to reach their sustainability goals.
Amazon is seeking net-zero carbon certification for its newest Amazon Fresh store in Seattle, which makes it the world’s first grocery store to pursue the ILFI Zero Carbon certification. One feature includes transitioning to a CO2-based refrigeration system, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 38 metric tons per year. The company is planning to be a net-zero carbon business by 2040.
Target new sustainable store will be in Vista, California. The store will generate more renewable energy than it needs annually and will test various innovations to reduce the building’s emissions. The store will generate renewable energy through 3,420 solar panels across its roof and is expected to produce up to a 10% energy surplus each year. The store plans to further reduce emissions, such as powering its HVAC heating through rooftop solar panels, instead of natural gas. Target plans to switch to natural CO2 refrigeration chain-wide by 2040 to reduce its direct operations’ emissions by 20%.