AUSTIN, TX — An energy management solution that Site Controls crafted for Michaels Stores Inc. has led to a more than 25 percent drop in consumption among the retailer’s nearly 1,000 stores.

Michaels, the largest arts and crafts store chain in the United States, said it is using Site Controls’ Site-Command Energy Management System to achieve the savings.

Deployment of the system began in 2006 and soon produced a 17 percent drop in energy use. The power savings now exceeds 25 percent as a result of the equipment monitoring and control and Web-based business intelligence provided by the Site-Command system.

Use of the system has also helped the retailer cut its carbon emissions. By paring down its use of electricity by 137 million kilowatt hours annually, Michaels has reduced its CO2 emissions approximately 192 million pounds, according to Site Controls.

Michaels, based in Texas, had 1,015 retail stores in 49 states and Canada as of March, according to the company’s most recent SEC filing.

Site Controls, also based in Texas, specializes in energy management and facilities intelligence solutions for retail chains, restaurants and bank branches.

Image courtesy of Michaels Stores Inc.