IKEA powers up solar energy system for Centennial store opening July 27

IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, on May 17, 2011 officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its future Denver-area store opening July 27, 2011 in Centennial, CO. The 60,000-square-foot array consists of a 498-kW system, built with 2,212 panels. IKEA Centennial's solar program will produce approximately 740,000 kWh of electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing at least 564 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 100 cars or powering 62 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).

The project - the largest single-use rooftop array on a commercial building in Colorado - will contribute to the local utility's renewable portfolio goals and lower the carbon intensity of the electrical grid. With this Centennial effort, IKEA now has six solar PV programs in the United States with installations pending at eight other stores. IKEA Centennial also will be the first U.S. IKEA store to incorporate a geothermal system for heating/cooling the building.

IKEA contracted with California-based REC Solar, one of the largest U.S. solar electric providers with more than 6,000 systems built nationwide including 16MW in the commercial retail sector in the past two years. REC Solar specializes in grid-tied solar electric design and installation, and offers the latest technology, state of the art equipment and financing opportunities for all commercial and residential customers.

"We are thrilled at how this solar energy system furthers our sustainability commitment at this future IKEA store," said Kelly Frieze, IKEA Centennial store manager. "IKEA has a never-ending job where most things still remain to be done. We constantly ask ourselves how what we are doing today can be done better tomorrow. We appreciate the support of the City of Centennial, Xcel Energy and REC Solar."

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and strives 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, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers' compact fluorescent bulbs.

The 415,000-square-foot IKEA Centennial, with approximately 1,500 parking spaces, is under construction on 13.5 acres along the western side of Interstate 25, north of the Park Meadows area, accessible from connections to Dry Creek Road and County Line Road exits. IKEA Centennial will present nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, three model home interiors, 50 room settings, a supervised children's play area, a 550-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children's 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 320 IKEA stores in 38 countries, including 37 in the U.S. IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings company, incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, go to IKEA-USA.com.