Safeway stores up solar power
by Amy Westervelt, Nov 2, 2007
Source: Sustainable Industries.com
http://www.sustainableindustries.com/energy/10959551.html
Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY), already California’s largest commercial consumer of renewable energy, recently took steps to solidify its lead by switching the first of 23 planned stores over to solar power in early September 2007. The 55,000-square-foot Dublin store now has 1,000 roof-top solar panels, which the company says will generate 7,500 megawatt hours of electricity per year. Safeway also buys wind energy to power its retail gas stations, and the company joined the Chicago Climate Exchange in 2006 with a pledge to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 390,000 tons below 2000 levels.
Safeway declined to share financial details of the installation, but says it does plan to reap cost savings from the installations. Safeway also offers its employees the opportunity to purchase a residential solar system at a discounted price from REC Solar. The company’s investment in renewable energy and introduction of a private label organic food line are part of its “Lifestyle” format, which was launched in 2005 as a way to differentiate Safeway in the crowded grocery market.