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IKEA continues sustainability efforts installing solar panels at its new Denver store

The über cool Scandinavian furniture store, IKEA, announced this week that it will install solar panels on its new Denver, Colorado store.  The retail outlet is under construction currently, with a projected grand opening in Fall 2011.

REC solar, one of the leading solar electric system providers in the U.S. is slated to design and install the rooftop solar array for IKEA next month.  Over 2,200 solar panels will cover approximately 60,000 square feet of the store’s roof, and will consist of a 498 kilowatt (kW) system.  The amount of solar electricity generated by the rooftop PV panels is the equivalent of removing 586 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year (emissions of 102 cars or powering 64 average homes).

Solar energy is already being generated at the following IKEA stores in the U.S.: Brooklyn, NY, Pittsburgh, PA and Tempe, AZ.  In addition, solar panel arrays will be installed this year at 8 additional California stores, plus 2 on the East Coast.  IKEA Canada is adding solar systems on three of its Toronto locations too.

Its all part of the company’s sustainability commitment, described in part here:

Doug Greenholz, IKEA’s U.S. real estate manager, stated:

“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with solar panels on the future Centennial store.  Similar to geothermal, solar energy will reduce greatly the new store’s energy costs and carbon footprint as well as contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.”

The new Denver-area IKEA store will be located west of Interstate 25, north of Park Meadows, Colorado.  The construction site covers 13.5 acres and will be home to the new 415,000 square foot retail store.

Rooftop solar panels on an IKEA store

Worldwide, there are more than 300 IKEA furniture stores in 38 countries.  Founded in Sweden in 1943, the company is the world’s leading home furnishings outlet, offering quality items at low prices.  The installation of solar panels at many of its U.S. locations is consistent with the company’s sustainable efforts.  In fact, TIME has listed IKEA as one of the top eight most global eco-conscious companies.