Solar Array Atop IKEA NJ Distribution Center Now Complete

Company nears 85 Percent solar presence on U.S. locations with completion of Westampton, NJ location

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its distribution center in Westampton, New Jersey. (Photo: Business Wire)

IKEA today officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its distribution center in Westampton, New Jersey. The 498,187-square-foot PV array consists of a 2,247.2-kW system, built with 15,606 panels. The IKEA distribution center in Westampton will produce approximately 2,708,740 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 1,911 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂), eliminating the emissions of 398 cars or powering 286 homes yearly (calculating EPA clean energy equivalents.

This installation represents the 37^th completed solar project for IKEA in the U.S., with two more locations underway, making the eventual U.S. solar presence of IKEA nearly 90 percent of its U.S. locations with a total generation of 38 MW. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) – and globally has allocated $1.8 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2015. This investment reinforces the long-term commitment of IKEA to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology. Consistent with the company’s goal of being energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 250,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns/operates approximately 110 wind turbines in Europe.

For the development, design and installation of the Westampton distribution center’s customized solar power system, IKEA contracted with Inovateus Solar LLC, an industry-leading solar power distributor and integrator specializing in large-scale solar installations.

“Installing solar panels atop this facility demonstrates that the company’s sustainable commitment extends beyond our stores into all facets of our supply chain operations,” said Tony Angotti, Westampton Distribution Center Manager. “This solar array will reduce significantly the carbon footprint and electricity costs of this facility. We appreciate the continued support of the Burlington County, PSE&G, and Inovateus Solar, our partners in this project.”

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and aims to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; incorporating environmental measures into the actual buildings with energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags from the check-out process, phasing-out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs. IKEA has installed electric vehicle charging stations at nine stores in the Western U.S., and by 2016 will go L.E.D. by selling and using light bulbs that are only L.E.D.

Constructed on 63 acres in the community of Westampton, in Southern New Jersey’s Burlington County, this 1.2 million-square-foot IKEA distribution center began operations in 1992 as part of the Rancocas Park industrial development, employs approximately 150 coworkers, and provides inventory to 14 IKEA stores in the Eastern U.S.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 330 IKEA stores in 40 countries, including 38 in the U.S., as well as six distribution centers in North America.

Source: Business Wire

[source: http://feeds.importantmedia.org/~r/IM-greenbuildingelements/~3/0VZO9zqJ-Bo/]