PVTIME – Global retailer UNIQLO unveils its first solar paneled roof in the U.S. with Luminace, the North American decarbonization-as-a-service business of Brookfield Renewable. The 3.4-megawatt distributed generation solar project at UNIQLO’s new Phillipsburg distribution facility in Warren County was developed and is owned and operated by Luminace.
The project is a significant step in a climate strategy for UNIQLO and its parent company, Fast Retailing. Among the 2030 Targets and Action Plan announced recently, Fast Retailing is upholding climate change targets of the Paris Agreement and is committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. The project is expected to provide enough clean energy to avoid the release of approximately 2,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of approximately 450 households a year.*
“My Administration’s efforts to reach one hundred percent clean energy by the year 2050 would not be possible without the cooperation of the businesses in our state,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “I thank UNIQLO and Luminace for their collaboration in installing these solar panels on the roof of their nearly one million square foot facility in our very own Phillipsburg, New Jersey. These actions will bring us one step closer to a greener economy and creating a stronger, safer and healthier environment for all New Jerseyans.”
“UNIQLO aims to improve the daily lives of people everywhere through our apparel called LifeWear,” said Daisuke Tsukagoshi, UNIQLO USA CEO. “We are proud of this important milestone that extends our mission beyond clothing, helping to make our operations better for the planet. We are honored to have partnered with Luminace, a pioneer in the renewable energy sector, on this state-of-the-art project, which will increase the world’s renewable energy footprint starting from New Jersey.”
“Luminace is pleased to support UNIQLO’S commitment to renewable energy and their goal of carbon neutrality,” said Valerie Hannah, CEO of Luminace. “This project demonstrates Luminace’s exceptional turnkey decarbonization solutions, providing accessible, reliable, and renewable energy, with no upfront costs to our customers.”
In addition to leveraging renewable energy, such as solar power, for electricity, among Fast Retailing and UNIQLO’s 2030 targets also include 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its own operations (such as stores and offices) and 20% reduction in GHG emissions from its supply chain. The company commits to carbon neutrality by 2050.
*Avoided emissions calculations are based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates
