MOORESVILLE – Lowe’s is taking advantage of the ample rooftop space across the company’s network of huge home improvement stores in its bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The North Carolina-based company announced Wednesday plans to install solar panels across 174 of its stores and distribution centers as part of its plan to reach “net-zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Twenty installations have already been made, Lowe’s added.
Lowe’s operates more than 1,700 stores.
Rooftop solar panels installed at the Lowe’s in Lumberton, NJ. (Lowe’s photo)
“Once each site is completed, the solar panels will provide approximately 90% of the energy usage at each location,” Lowe’s said in the announcement. Its goal is to have operations company wide powered by renewable energy by 2030.
Initial targets for the project include locations in California, Illinois and New Jersey.
“At Lowe’s, we are focused on operating responsibly and reducing our impact on the environment,” said Chris Cassell, Lowe’s vice president of corporate sustainability. “Investing in renewable energy lowers operating costs and is an important step in reducing emissions associated with our stores and distribution centers. This initial rooftop solar portfolio is one example of the collaboration we seek with partners as we work toward our long-term and interim net-zero goals.”
