The 132,000-square-foot PV array consists of a 1,063-kW system, built with 4,620 panels. Ikea Paramus program will produce approximately 1,359,100 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 1,033 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 184 cars or powering 117 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html ).
This investment by Ikea reinforces the companys long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology. 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 this Paramus installation represents the 17th completed solar energy project for Ikea in the United States, with 20 more locations underway, making the eventual U.S. solar presence of Ikea nearly 85 percent and a total generation of 30.8 MW.
For the development, design and installation of the Paramus stores customized solar power system, Ikea contracted with REC Solar, one of the largest U.S. solar electric installers with more than 8,000 systems built nationwide.
The installation of solar panels at Ikea Paramus is another way we can build upon our ongoing commitment to sustainability, said Lars Otteson, store manager. At Ikea, we believe in being a good business while doing good business and investing in renewable energy accomplishes both of those goals. We appreciate the support from Paramus officials, PSE&G, and REC Solar, our partners in this project.
Ikea, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and aims for its operations to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, Ikea evaluates all locations regularly for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution.
Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); incorporating environmental measures into the construction of buildings in terms of 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, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers compact fluorescent bulbs. Ikea also has installed electric vehicle charging stations at nine stores in the Western U.S.
Located on 39 acres at the confluence of the Garden State Parkway and routes 4 and 17, the 375,000-square-foot Ikea store opened in July 2003 and employs approximately 300 coworkers. In addition to 10,000 exclusively designed items, this Paramus store presents 48 different room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised childrens play area, and a 450-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a Childrens Ikea area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store.
Ikea strives to be The Life Improvement Store, and since its 1943 founding in Sweden, 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 330 Ikea stores in 40 countries, including 38 in the U.S. Ikea incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.
