Apr 22 2010
IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that a solar energy system is planned for its store in Tempe, Arizona. Pending remaining governmental permits, installation of solar panels on the roof of the store can begin in May, with completion expected in the fall. The 46,000-square-foot configuration will consist of two 300-kWh systems, each built with approximately 1,300 panels (for a total 2,600).
IKEA Tempe’s solar program will produce approximately one million kWh of electricity annually for the store, offsetting 712 tons of carbon and equivalent to powering 86 homes. This effort represents the third solar project for IKEA in the U.S. A system is operational in Pittsburgh, PA and installation now is underway in Brooklyn, NY.
IKEA has contracted Gloria Solar for the development, design and installation of this customized solar power system. Gloria Solar is the United States operating group focused on the photovoltaic system business within the family of E-Ton Solar Group. This project – the largest commercial installation in SRP’s service area – also is being implemented in conjunction with SRP, the third-largest public power utility in the country and provider of more than 935,000 electric customers in the Phoenix metropolitan area through a variety of resources including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydroelectricity.
“We are very excited about furthering our sustainability commitment by installing solar panels on our store,” said Robby Wierman, IKEA Tempe store manager. “This opportunity will reduce our carbon footprint, improve the environment, and contribute to our company’s vision of creating a better everyday life for the many. We appreciate the support of the City of Tempe as well SRP and Gloria Solar, our partners in this project.”
IKEA, drawing from its company’s Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and reflects a business model designed to minimize impacts on the environment. Other sustainable efforts include: integrating innovative materials such as recycled wood waste for coffee table legs; working with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources; flat-packing our goods for an efficient distribution system; recycling approximately 75 percent of our waste (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); and incorporating environmental measures into the construction of our buildings in terms of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, low volatile organic compound emitting paint, skylights in our warehouse, and even water conserving restrooms.
Located on 23 acres along I-10 near Warner Road, the 342,000-square-foot IKEA Tempe opened in November 2004 and employs approximately 250 coworkers. In addition to 10,000 exclusively designed items, IKEA Tempe presents 44 different room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 250-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a Children’s IKEA area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store.
There currently are more than 300 IKEA stores in 37 countries, including 37 in the U.S. Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function at low prices so the majority of the people can afford them. IKEA has been ranked in FORTUNE’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, Working Mother magazine’s annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” and Training magazine’s annual “Top 100” ranking of companies that excel at human capital development. IKEA incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business, and continually supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment.
Source: http://www.IKEA-USA.com/