US Foods activates solar power system in Albuquerque

Friday, Dec 14, 2012

Reinforcing its strong commitment to sustainability, US Foods today activated a 430 kilowatt solar power system at its distribution center in Albuquerque. Consisting of 1,772 photovoltaic panels, the rooftop solar array and will provide nearly 25 percent of the facility’s energy needs.

“This solar panel system will improve our efficiency and allow us to meet our customers’ needs in a more sustainable way.”

At its peak, the solar array will generate 711,000 kilowatt hours annually - enough electricity to power 71 average New Mexico homes.

“US Foods is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and providing a more sustainable future for our customers and community,” said John Szurek, division president, US Foods. “This solar panel system will improve our efficiency and allow us to meet our customers’ needs in a more sustainable way.”

The installation was commemorated by a “Flip the Switch” event at the Albuquerque division. Notable attendees included:

Patricia Dominguez, Office of U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich

• Christine Landavazo, Office of U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman
• Bianca Ortiz Wertheim, Office of U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
• Michael Padilla, New Mexico State Senator-elect
• Tom Zdunek, Bernalillo County Manager
• Art De La Cruz, Bernalillo County Commissioner
  
  "New Mexicans are committed to an energy future for our nation that is both clean and domestic to increase our energy independence and create jobs here at home," said U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich. "It's essential that New Mexico businesses are focusing not only on having a positive economic impact on local communities, but are doing so in a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible way. In New Mexico, we're proud to have business leaders that are looking out for the future of the state. Congratulations to US Foods on this impressive accomplishment."
  
  The solar panel installation is the latest in a series of green initiatives implemented at the Albuquerque division. Prior improvements have included green landscaping and installation high-efficiency lighting throughout the facility.
  
  US Foods is leasing the solar panels from Distributed Sun LLC, an industry leading commercial solar developer. The new solar panel array will offset the equivalent of 12,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 25 years. In addition to the Albuquerque location, US Foods has installed solar panels to power distribution centers in Perth Amboy, N.J., La Mirada, Calif., Phoenix and San Francisco.
  
  Source: Business Wire