Swedish Retailer IKEA to Install Washington’s Largest Rooftop Solar Array on Relocated Store Opening Spring 2017 in Renton, WA

24 Ago 2016, 00:00 AM EDT

RENTON, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced
plans to install solar panels atop the relocated Seattle-area store
under construction in Renton, WA. Installation will begin this fall,
with completion expected in winter for the largest rooftop solar array
in the State of Washington. The store’s 244,504-square-foot solar array
will consist of a 1.18 MW system, built with 3,420 panels, and will
produce approximately 1,319,000 kWh of electricity annually for the
store, the equivalent of reducing 927 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂)
– equal to the emissions of 196 cars or providing electricity for 137
homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator).

For the development, design and installation of the new store’s solar
power system, IKEA selected REC Solar, a national leader in solar
electric design and installation with more than 530 systems built across
the U.S. Deacon Corp. is managing the construction of the store, which
will reflect the unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are
known worldwide.

“We are excited to further our sustainability commitment with solar
panels on this relocated Seattle-area store,” said Diedre Goodchild,
store manager. “Installing Washington’s largest rooftop array advances
our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.”

This installation will represent the 44^th solar project for
IKEA in the United States, contributing to the IKEA solar presence atop
nearly 90% of its U.S. locations, with a total generation of more than
40 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 $2.5 billion to invest in
renewable energy through 2020, reinforcing its confidence and investment
in solar photovoltaic technology. Consistent with the goal of being
energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar
panels on buildings across the world and owns approximately 300 wind
turbines, including 104 in the U.S.

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes
it can do good business while minimizing 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, and selling only LED bulbs. IKEA has
installed electric vehicle charging stations at 14 stores, with more
locations planned.

The future 399,000-square-foot new Renton store, including 1,600 parking
spaces, is being built across the 29-acre IKEA parcel’s parking lot in
Renton, near State Highway 167, approximately 11 miles southeast of
downtown Seattle. Until the new store opens in Spring 2017, customers
can continue to shop at the existing IKEA store. During the construction
period, IKEA will be providing additional parking nearby on weekends for
customers and shuttling them to the store. Customers can find detailed
information about parking directions, shuttle plans and construction
updates available at IKEA-USA.com/Seattle
and @IKEA_Seattle.

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 370 IKEA stores in 47
countries, including 41 in the U.S. IKEA has been ranked among “Best
Companies to Work For” and, as further investment in its coworkers, has
raised its own minimum wage twice in two years. IKEA incorporates
sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that
benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com,
@IKEAUSANews,
@IKEAUSA
or IKEAUSA on Facebook,
YouTube,
Instagram
and Pinterest.