Kohl’s Department Stores is expanding its solar program into Pennsylvania, it revealed last week as it activated its 100th solar array.
The company currently has solar panels at select stores and warehouses in California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Maryland, Oregon and Colorado, as well as New Jersey, where its latest project has been completed in Mays Landing.
The construction of solar arrays on the rooftops of seven Pennsylvania stores began last month, and is expected to be completed by March 2011.
The locations include Royersford, Hanover, Mechanicsburg, Warminster, Granite Run, Bensalem and North Huntingdon, PA.
On average, each project will comprise 1,400 panels and have the ability to provide nearly half of each store’s electricity supplies – the equivalent of enough power for 36 homes.
Along with the Mays Landing project, the eight locations are set to provide more than 2.3 megawatts of generating capacity.
Kohl’s said solar power was an “integral” part of its energy management effort and its goal to be carbon neutral by the end of 2010.
After the retailer’s 100th solar array was activated earlier this month, Kohl’s executive vice president of store planning and logistics Ken Bonning said his company was achieving “meaningful results”.
The company believes its energy management efforts have already saved it $50 million in electricity costs, with a 20% improvement in efficiency.
Mr Bonning said: “Our 100 solar locations, commitment to build 73 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified locations and 500 ENERGY STAR stores demonstrate our ongoing commitment to sustainability with meaningful results.
“We will continue to strive toward advancing environmental solutions that will lead to a cleaner, healthier environment for our communities and ensure we are doing business in a way that makes sense for our associates and customers.”
Kohl’s, which has its HQ in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, operates 1,089 stores in 49 states, launched its first solar project in Laguna Niguel, California, in September 2007.
Some 63 of its 80 California stores now have solar arrays, generating 25MW of power.
No comments:
Post a Comment