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Walgreens Marks Its Continued Commitment to Sustainability With its 100th Solar Power Installation
Drugstore chain on track to have the most solar power installations among retailers nationwide
DEERFIELD, Ill., September 23, 2011 - Walgreens (NYSE:WAG) (NASDAQ:WAG) today marks its continued commitment to sustainability with its 100th rooftop solar power system installation in Mason, Ohio.
Since its first solar installation in 2007, Walgreens has expanded its plans to include stores and distribution centers in Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Oregon and Ohio, for a total of more than 130 installations nationwide by the end of the year, more than any other U.S. retailer. Typically, rooftop solar systems help offset energy usage by an estimated 15 to 20 percent.
“This is an important milestone for us as we continue to explore ways to expand our use of environmentally-friendly technology to reduce our energy consumption,” said Mark Wagner, Walgreens President of Community Management and Operations. “Our use of solar power across Ohio is a great example of how businesses, state officials and developers of green technologies can work together to help make a difference in our communities and for the planet.”
In Ohio alone, the company has 53 installations in 20 counties, making this the largest rollout of solar in one state for one entity. Walgreens is working with SoCore Energy which will own, maintain and monitor the rooftop systems. SoCore and Walgreens have teamed up with First Energy Solutions to manage the Renewable Energy Certificate process.
Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, will join officials from SoCore Energy, state and local officials and Walgreens for a community celebration marking its 100th solar installation today at the Mason Walgreens located at 8060 S. Mason Montgomery Road. The event will feature a dedication ceremony, samples of eco-friendly products and a green bag giveaway.
“Solar energy solutions cut costs and promote emerging clean energy jobs and markets in communities across America,” said Sutley. “It is leadership from private sector companies like Walgreens and the commitment of this Administration to building a cleaner, greener economy that will help to ensure America is second to none.”
“Walgreens’ impressive sustainability efforts include this substantial commitment to solar power and on-site renewable energy,” said Pete Kadens, SoCore Energy president. “These projects are not only producing solar power, they are also generating solar renewable energy credits and reducing energy costs for Walgreens, which in turn saves money for its customers while benefitting the broader community.”
The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority in May provided a $5.2 million loan to SoCore for development of the 53 rooftop solar systems across the state, including five in northwest Ohio. The remainder of the project’s $9.9 million cost is being funded by SoCore and a federal solar tax credit.
Walgreens has a long-standing commitment to reducing energy usage and expanding its renewable energy initiatives. The company became the nation’s first drugstore chain to install a geothermal energy system at one of its stores in Oak Park, Ill., last November. The company’s Mira Mesa, Calif., location became the first drugstore to receive LEED gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. In addition, the company utilizes an energy management system that monitors electricity, water, heating and cooling and waste management at more than 1,100 stores to help reduce energy usage and maintenance costs while extending equipment life.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion. The company operates 7,760 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services include retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.
About SoCore Energy LLC
SoCore Energy LLC is a national provider of custom, portable solar arrays for sale or mid-term rental, giving customers the ability to hedge electric costs while making responsible renewable energy investments. Headquartered in Chicago, SoCore offers industry-leading service, flexible terms and extensive familiarity with leveraging national and state renewable energy credits and tax incentives. To respond to rapid technological progress in the solar industry and economic uncertainty, SoCore pioneered SRS, the Solar Rental Service. For more information, visit http://www.SoCoreEnergy.com or call 1-877-SOCORE1.
Walgreens
Tiffani Washington, 224-723-3440
tiffani.washington@walgreens.com
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