JCPenney Earns Award for Second Consecutive Year for Protecting the Environment Through Energy Efficiency

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 4, 2008--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) a 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For the second consecutive year, JCPenney will be honored for smart energy management practices and investments throughout its operations that resulted in significant energy and financial savings. JCPenney, the only retailer selected as Partner of the Year in the energy management category, will be recognized at the ENERGY STAR awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 1.

JCPenney continues to implement energy conservation projects and engage its 155,000 Associates to seek out innovative ways to save energy. In 2007, energy management systems (EMS) were installed in 188 stores, bringing the total of EMS-equipped stores to 731, and these stores have delivered average energy usage savings of 7.6 percent after one year with an EMS. In addition, 167 stores received lighting retrofits in 2007, saving more than 27 million kWh of electricity.

To help Associates take a more active role in saving energy, JCPenney launched an "Energy Captain" Web portal for stores that serves as a one-stop shop for energy reports and support materials, as well as a forum to share ideas with peers. JCPenney's "Monthly Utility Mania" communications program, now in its fourth year, helps educate Associates on the importance of energy conservation and rewards stores for innovative efforts.

JCPenney also promotes strategic energy management through active participation in ENERGY STAR. When the new ENERGY STAR efficiency benchmark for retail stores was introduced in October 2007, four JCPenney stores in Washington state became the first in the nation to qualify under the new standard. Combined, the four stores save an estimated $250,000 per year in utility costs relative to average stores of their size.

"Effective energy management is a key part of our strategic plan to be a leading performer in our industry while minimizing our impact on the environment," said Jim Thomas, vice president and director of corporate social responsibility for JCPenney. "Energy efficiency will only become more important in the future. Our partnership with ENERGY STAR demonstrates the proven fiscal and environmental savings that result from superior energy management."

Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

The 2008 Partner of the Year Awards recognize efforts to use energy efficiently in facility operations and to integrate superior energy management into overall organizational strategy. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"JCPenney's leadership in managing energy use is a model for other businesses looking for ways to protect the environment," said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "Because commercial and industrial facilities account for half of all energy consumption in the U.S. and are responsible for nearly half of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, energy management is a critical element in our efforts on climate change."

About JCPenney

JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,067 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $19.9 billion in 2006 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's 155,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 9,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

CONTACT: JCPenney
Tim Lyons, 972-431-3400
tmlyons@jcpenney.com
or
EPA/ENERGY STAR
Maria Vargas, 202-343-9451
vargas.maria@epa.gov

SOURCE: J. C. Penney Company, Inc.