First off IKEA, you know, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer. It announced plans to increase the solar array atop its Boston-area store. It seems the one that opened in Stoughton, MA.

In addition, IKEA created a 58,575-square-foot store expansion. Atop that is the new solar panels. They were installed Spring 2014 then it was a Summer completion.

The 51,516-square-foot solar addition consists of a 312-kW system. It’s built with 1,248 panels. More noteworthy, it will produce 383,200 kWh more of electricity annually. There for the store! In addition and when I ncluding the existing system..big!

IKEA Stoughton

So IKEA Stoughton’s total 902.8-kW solar installation of 5,468 panels will generate 1,078,200 kWh of clean electricity yearly. That’s the equivalent of reducing 761 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). Another way is eliminating the emissions of 158 cars or powering 105 homes. (That’s with calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).

Finally, for the development, design and installation of this store’s enhanced solar power system. IKEA contracted IKEA contracted with Gehrlicher Solar America Corp. It seems they are a leading solar energy system integrator in the Americas. More interesting is it’s a company of the multinational M+W Group.

IKEA achieved its goal of completing solar installations atop nearly 90 percent of its U.S. buildings. That’s 39 out of 44 locations. They have a generation goal of 38 MW. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems. That’s opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement). As well and globally, it has allocated $1.8 billion. That $1.8 billion is invested in renewable energy through 2015. This investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability. More noteworthy confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology. It’s Consistent with the IKEA goal of being energy independent by 2020,

IKEA has installed more than 300,000 solar panels on buildings across the world. As well and so cool, it owns/operates about 137 wind turbines in Europe.

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and aims to decrease impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to keep up sustainable resources, and flatpacks goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; incorporating energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems. Also, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms. More noteworthy and operationally, IKEA eliminated plastic bags from the check-out process. It phased-out the sale of incandescent bulbs, facilitates recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs. Finally and by 2016 will sell and use only LED bulbs!

Finally, IKEA has installed electric vehicle charging stations at nine stores in the Western U.S.

In conclusion, it’s located on 27 acres along Route 24 near Central Street (Exit 19B). This IKEA Store is 347,000-s.f.. As well, IKEA Stoughton opened in November 2005. It employs about 400 coworkers. In addition, it holds 10,000 exclusively designed items. Wow.

So IKEA Stoughton presents 50 different room settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 450-seat restaurant. Other family friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking. IKEA Stoughton , awarded LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council and hosts a green roof atop the store next to where the first phase of solar panels are installed.

Source: IKEA