IKEA has announced the completion of a 1.28MW rooftop solar panel system atop its new store in St. Louis, in the U.S. state of Missouri.
The array consists of 4,085 panels and will produce approximately 1,780,000 kWh of electricity annually – enough to power 169 homes. Carbon-equivalent emissions reduction is estimated at 1,227 tons each year. The project is the largest rooftop solar installation in the state.
“Installing the solar panels is another exciting and sustainable step in the progress towards opening the future IKEA St. Louis,” said John Achillea, store manager. “IKEA strives to create a sustainable life for communities where we operate, and IKEA St. Louis can add to this goal with Missouri’s largest rooftop solar array.”
The 42nd solar project for IKEA in the USA, the company says it now has modules installed at nearly 90% of its U.S. locations.
By the end of 2020, IKEA aims to be running on 100% renewable energy.
So far, the company has installed more than 700,000 solar panels at IKEA locations around the world and owns approximately 157 wind turbines in Europe and Canada. 104 more wind turbines are being constructed in the USA. Last year, the company committed to rolling out solar across all its Australian east coast stores and warehouses.
IKEA Group has already invested more AUD $2.18 billion in wind energy and solar power systems since 2009. Last month IKEA announced a further AUD $1.46 billion investment in renewable energy and assisting communities most impacted by climate change.
IKEA states it has now allocated more than AUD $2.71 billion to invest in renewable energy at its facilities globally from now through 2020.
The company’s commitments to renewable energy aren’t just a warm and fuzzy or electricity cost-cutting measure. IKEA recognizes the direct impact climate change may have on its operations.
“IKEA Group is already experiencing disruption in its direct operations due to increased frequency of extreme weather events,” says the company’s Position On Energy And Climate (PDF).
For example, during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, IKEA estimates it lost USD $9 million in revenue.
“Business needs policy leadership. Legally binding targets on CO2 reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency will unlock the innovation and investment needed to build a low-carbon economy.”
