Target reaches solar energy milestone
Minneapolis- based retail giant, Target, has been announced as the United States’ top corporate solar installer.
Minneapolis- based retail giant, Target, has been announced as the United States’ top corporate solar installer.
According to a new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Target overtook former solar champion and competitor, Walmart, to earn the top spot.
Whilst Target installed 147 MW of solar capacity, Walmart installed 145 MW.
The remaining eight companies in the top 10 list were: Prologis (107.8 MW), Apple (93.9 MW), Costco (50.7 MW), Kohl’s (50.2 MW), IKEA (44 MW), Macy’s (38.9 MW), General Growth Properties (30.2 MW) and Hartz Mountain Industries (22.7 MW).
This year, the largest US corporations have added nearly 1,100 MW of solar energy — enough electricity to power the equivalent of 193,000 homes every year.
In just the first three quarters of 2016, the report found that US corporations have added 142 MW of corporate solar, which is more than was installed in the whole of 2015 (129 MW).
John Leisen, Target Vice President of Property Management, said: “At Target, sustainability is a principle that drives the decisions we make across the company — from the products we make to the way we run our business.”
He added: “We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in improving building efficiencies and reducing environmental impact. Our commitment to installing solar panels on 500 stores and distribution centres by 2020 is evidence of that progress.”
Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, working with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America.
SEIA interim President, Tom Kimbis, said: “Investing in solar is a common-sense decision that pays dividends for both the environment and companies’ bottom lines and these leaders deserve a big round of applause.”
He added: “It’s this type of investment which is helping to create thousands of new jobs while helping to offset 1.1 million tons of carbon emissions yearly.”
