Redwood commences one of the largest solar rooftop energy programs in Japan along with China Expansion

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In Japan, Redwood commenced operation and new build of three large-scale distribution center rooftop solar power plants as part of one of Japan's largest new solar rooftop initiatives, with over a dozen Redwood large-scale solar projects in progress.

The initial three plants' combined output is 4 megawatts. By way of comparison, one megawatt (“MW”) alone is commonly considered enough to power between 750-1000 homes.

The three initial plants are distributed around the greater Tokyo region at the Redwood Distribution Centers of Namamugi, Yokohama (1MW); Kawagoe, Saitama (1.5MW) and Sakura, Chiba (1.5MW). Under the Redwood Renewables program, the solar energy generated will be sold to the Tokyo Electric Power Company at a fixed rate for a 20 year period.

For the initial three projects, Redwood has partnered with two of Japan's leading solar service providers, Kyocera Solar Corporation (at Namamugi and Sakura) and Chuo Densetsu Co. Ltd. (at Kawagoe), to install and maintain the systems.

The solar panels were provided by two of the largest solar panel manufacturers globally, Japan-based Kyocera and China-based Trina. The Namamugi plant has become fully operational as of October 2015, with Sakura and Kawagoe locations following in November and January thereafter, respectively.

"Redwood prides itself on its commitment to sustainability," said Stuart Gibson, CEO of the Redwood Group. "As well as creating revenue streams from otherwise underutilized areas and in-line with incorporating sustainable practices into the industrial facilities we develop, the solar panels generate clean energy, reduce environmental impact, energy expenses and greenhouse gas emissions. These three facilities are the initial projects of a significant pipeline of rooftop solar plants. At the same time, we also continue to explore other environmental initiatives for our buildings beyond solar, incorporating high CASBEE standards." CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency) is the green building management system in Japan.

Bryan Gould, head of Redwood Renewables initiative added: "We are very excited to install these solar energy plants on our new distribution centers in Yokohama, Saitama and Chiba. Each solar plant produces clean energy at a fraction of retail energy prices. With these newest installations, one achieves the goal of grid parity and a union of commercial and long-term environmental sustainability interests, a priority for Japan and increasingly worldwide."

In China, at the Redwood Beijing Distribution Center, UGE International Ltd., a leader in renewable energy solutions, was selected to supply Redwood with a state-of-the-art solar energy system. Construction of the system is now complete as of fall 2015.

The 248 KW on-site solar energy system will significantly reduce energy costs, operating expenses, and carbon footprint. Colin Clark, Construction Director of the Redwood Group, China comments: "The Beijing project is the first of many for Redwood nationally, solidifying our pioneering commitment to sustainable logistics buildings in China as elsewhere in Asia.”

In recent years Redwood and PGGM (based in the Netherlands, PGGM is one of the world’s largest private investors in real estate) have developed a successful investment partnership. This ambitious solar energy program of Redwood contributes to PGGM’s policy to improve the sustainability performance of its Private Real Estate Fund.

Thijs Schoenaker, Senior Investment Manager of PGGM Private Real Estate, comments: "Sustainability is key to PGGM’s activities as a long-term investor. Our ambition is to reduce the carbon footprint of our clients’ portfolios and increase sustainable investments in the coming years. Over the past years we have actively held discussions with our strategic partner, Redwood, about its sustainability plans. These initiatives fit very well into the roadmap to build a best-in class and sustainable logistics property portfolio in Asia for the long-term."

http://www.redwoodgroup.com