United Natural Foods Extends Environmentally Responsible Initiatives With Installation Of Largest Solar Electric System In New England
Dayville, CT - Furthering its commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives, United Natural Foods, Inc. along with Solar Works, Inc. and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), recently held a dedication ceremony for the installation of the largest solar electric system in New England. The 550-kilowatt STC solar photovoltaic system from SCHOTT Solar, installed at the Company's state-of- the-art distribution facility in Dayville, CT, is expected to generate approximately 600,000 kilowatt hours of clean energy annually, enough to power more than 67 average New England homes for one year. The system output will avoid over 14 million pounds (over 6,350 metric tons) of carbon dioxide over the 25-year life of the system.
Attending the event were several Connecticut politicians including Donald E. Williams, Jr., Connecticut State Senator, John Hollay, Office of Representative Congressman Joseph D. Courtney, and Jeffrey Nelson, Director of the Eastern Office for Governor M. Jodi Rell. Also in attendance were representatives from Solar Works, CCEF and United Natural Foods.
"From our very first meeting with United Natural Foods, it was very apparent that the company was committed to raising the bar for environmental stewardship in New England. They took this project seriously and worked with us in a collaborative manner at every step along the way," commented Ron French, President of Solar Works Inc. "We couldn't be more pleased with what we've accomplished together and the ongoing environmental benefit that will be derived from this project."
Timothy Bowles, Chairman of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Board, stated, "We applaud United Natural Foods' ongoing commitment to sustainability and providing solutions to climate change. As the largest solar installation supported by CCEF to date through the fund's On-site Renewable Distributed Generation Program, the UNFI solar array will benefit ratepayers by not only improving our environment but also reducing our demand on the electric grid at times of peak demand."
"We're very pleased to partner with CCEF and Solar Works in such a worthwhile endeavor," said Michael Funk, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Natural Foods. "This project is just the latest initiative in United Natural Foods' commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives, helping to create a greener environment by utilizing clean, renewable energy." In October 2007, United Natural Foods installed a one megawatt solar electric system at its natural foods distribution facility in Rocklin, CA. Combined, the two solar power systems are expected to power approximately 190 average American households for a year and reduce CO2 emissions by 854 metric tons annually.
The Dayville, CT distribution facility serves as both United Natural Foods' corporate headquarters, as well as a regional distribution center in the Company's nationwide distribution network. The facility employs more than 500 people and serves customers in both the New England and New York areas. United Natural Foods has the largest warehouse capacity of any distributor in the natural products industry and currently has more than 5.4 million square feet of space at 21 distribution centers nationwide.
SOURCE: Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) and Solar Works, Inc.