UPS Escalates Reliance on Solar Energy
UPS Inc. announced a significant escalation of its investment in solar energy as an owner/operator of solar assets starting with at least eight of its facilities in the United States.
The estimated $18 million investment — which will be completed in 2017 — will provide a nearly five-fold increase in the amount of power generated from solar at UPS facilities today, the Atlanta-based company said.
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Once installed, each building will effectively produce 50% of its daily energy use via the sun, the company said.
As a result, UPS said it will own and operate the installations providing additional flexibility over the long term. As a company with significant engineering and construction expertise, UPS also will take a leadership role in the design and implementation of these projects.
UPS ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.
“Solar technology is a proven way to effectively and efficiently provide long-term power to our facilities,” Bill Moir, director of facilities procurement for UPS, said in a statement.
With more than 2,580 facilities worldwide, UPS said it is ideally positioned to expand its investment in renewable energy and expects additional solar deployments to occur over the next several years as it identifies suitable opportunities.
The parcel delivery company's investment in solar power began in 2004 in Palm Springs, California, where solar panels were installed and still generate about 110 kilowatts of sustainable energy, the company said. UPS also produces solar power at its New Jersey facilities in Lakewood, Parsippany and Secaucus.
Also, the company has invested more than $750 million in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations globally since 2009, including more than 8,100 vehicles in its Rolling Lab, according to UPS.
