First Canadian retailer to exclusively own, install and operate what is expected to be the largest rooftop solar installation under Ontario's Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program
BURLINGTON, ON, Oct 7 /CNW/ - IKEA Canada announced today an initiative that will make them the first retailer to exclusively own, install and operate what is expected to be the largest rooftop solar panel network in Ontario under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program. With this initiative, IKEA Canada will currently own what is believed to be the largest rooftop solar installation by a retailer in Canada. The Company is making a $4.6 million capital investment to outfit the rooftops with solar panels at three of its Ontario locations - Etobicoke, North York and Vaughan. The solar panels will be installed and fully operational before the end of the calendar year.
The rooftop solar installations solidify IKEA's longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability," says Kerri Molinaro, President of IKEA Canada. "We are proud to be a partner in generating clean, renewable power that will feed into the communities IKEA operates in the Greater Toronto Area."
Among the three store locations, a total of 3,790 solar panels will be installed and operational within the calendar year. These panels will generate a total of about 960,000 kWh per year of renewable energy to be fed back into the grid1 - enough electricity each year to power about 100 homes. IKEA Canada will use SANYO HIT Power® solar panels and has selected AMP Solar for the installations at all three locations. IKEA has received contracts from the Ontario Power Authority and qualifies for the Feed-in Tariff program, under Ontario's Green Energy Act. Energy generated from the solar panels will be fed into the electricity grid via the local distribution companies - Toronto Hydro and PowerStream.
"In its first year, the McGuinty government's Feed-in Tariff program has made great strides in creating a renewable energy landscape across Ontario," said Ontario Minister of Energy, Brad Duguid. "IKEA Canada is another great example of how our Green Energy Act is engaging businesses and building a cleaner electricity system for future generations."
These Ontario installations will help to fulfill IKEA's international commitment of 150 solar installations over the next three years. IKEA customers will have access to real-time energy production information, and will be able to quantify carbon emission reductions via in-store kiosks. IKEA's solar initiative is one example of many longstanding commitments to social and environmental responsibility - as communicated through their sustainability program, the NEVER ENDING list (www.ikea.ca/theneverendinglist).
Most recently, IKEA Canada stores have participated in building retrofits, which have resulted in significant energy savings. In addition to this, stores have installed energy reduction mechanisms such as custom building automation systems, more efficient lighting and sensors, solar thermal heating units, and higher efficiency heating and cooling systems. IKEA Canada is committed to continued energy reduction, as well as the consumption of a larger share of renewable energy sources.
For more information on IKEA, please visit www.IKEA.ca
About IKEA
IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 280 stores in 26 countries worldwide, which are visited by 626 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 11 stores which are visited by over 25 million people every year. Last year the ikea.com websites attracted 712 million visitors. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them.
1 Figures provided from AMP, based on the # of panels x sunlight/production
For further information:
Media Contact:
Madeleine Löwenborg-Frick
National Public Relations Manager,
IKEA Canada
T: 905-637-9440 x6378
[email protected]
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