Renys is a Leader in the Governor's Carbon Challenge
Renys Department Stores is a leader in their carbon emissions reduction progress in the Governor’s Carbon Challenge! Four store locations in Belfast, Camden, Dexter, and Farmington have made carbon emission reductions of 22%, 21%, 16%, and 6% respectively from their 2003 baseline. Two of these locations have already exceeded their 2010 reduction goal of 20%. Along with the challenge of continuing to provide quality merchandise at affordable prices, Renys, a Maine family-owned business with more than 400 employees, has made measurable progress in both related goals of carbon emission reductions and energy efficiency. To accomplish these they have also collaborated with the PUC’s Efficiency Maine lighting incentive program to upgrade lighting as part of their commitment to energy efficiency.
Operations Manager, Mary Kate Reny says, “The Governor’s Carbon Challenge is the perfect tool for DEP to offer to the business community. Although every business is acutely aware of the high cost of energy consumption in dollars, there’s never been an easy, free and voluntary way to accurately quantify either the cost to the environment or the cost of inefficiencies in our heating and/or electrical systems. A collective goal-setting program like the Governor’s Carbon Challenge sets just the right tone in addressing carbon reduction efforts in our communities.” Renys has also committed to have all their 14 stores and distribution center in the program for 2008!
The Belfast store has reduced carbon emissions by 22% from their 2003 baseline! Earlier this year, they installed more efficient lighting in their Belfast location with funding incentives from Efficiency Maine. Renys also replaced HVAC units in both their Belfast and Dexter stores within the last four years. And lighting fixtures were replaced in the Camden store in 2005. The new lighting also provides improved visibility in addition to reducing energy overhead costs.
The Governor’s Carbon Challenge, operated out of DEP’s Office of Innovation, is a voluntary goal-setting program to assist businesses and non-profit organizations accomplish their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
