Target is investing in numerous projects across the country as part of their journey to hit net zero emissions across the enterprise by 2040. As of last year, more than 580 of their sites across the country have rooftop solar — with even more to come. These projects generate enough energy to offset up to 40% of a property’s energy needs, and incorporating them into already planned remodels is more efficient than costly retrofits down the road. In addition, Target is currently building the largest rooftop solar array in the state of New York on their distribution center in Wilton. Going live this year, the 7.5-megawatt system will provide enough watts of electricity to power over 1,200 homes annually and will eliminate Target’s electric bill at the site.

Their Vista, California, store stands out as a guiding example of how Target is innovating across their real estate footprint and bringing to life the Target Forward vision to co-create an equitable and regenerative future together with consumers, partners and communities. In March 2022, they completed the conversion of their Vista store to become Target’s first store designed to be net zero energy. Their Vista store incorporates both rooftop and parking lot canopy solar panels. With its over 3,400 solar panels now fully operational, it is successfully producing over 100% of the site’s energy needs and is designed to continue to generate more renewable energy than it uses each year to power its operations.

When you stand at the entrance of the Vista store, it looks like any other Target store. But underneath lays a complex system of electrical, plumbing, solar and more that makes it one of a kind — and the most sustainable store yet. Alongside its rooftop and parking lot canopy solar panels, the store includes features like an electric HVAC system and CO2 refrigeration — a natural refrigerant — that helps reduce the store’s emissions. The Target team deployed major innovations at the site while navigating challenges from COVID-19 (they had to select and design the site remotely) to solving for a lack of electrical connection points at the solar carport site — which required boring under the store in order to connect the canopies to the electrical system at the back. Target is excited to deploy learnings from their Vista site to help achieve their goals and make a positive impact.

Target’s efforts at the Vista store are just one example of the amazing work taking place in support of the Target Forward sustainability strategy to benefit people, the planet and long-term growth. To continue reducing their operational emissions, they are also building a portfolio of highly energy efficient stores by adopting new technologies and operating procedures. Since 2009, Target has earned ENERGY STAR certification for 1,577 stores and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in 2024, the ninth straight year they have received this accolade.