Walgreen’s, a pharmacy chain based in Illinois, has a long history of seeking renewable energy and sustainability for its stores. Currently, Walgreen’s has around 150 locations that receive 15 to 20 percent of their power through solar panel kits. A new store in Evanston, Illinois has taken the solar power and renewable energy commitment one step further, creating a “zero energy” building.
The new store claims that it is fully self-sustaining, and is able to generate all of its own power without purchasing traditional energy from the grid. In addition to other energy creation solutions, the store boasts 800 solar panels, and Walgreen’s believes that the store will generate up to 28 percent more energy than it needs to operate. Company representatives stated that the store will also utilize some of the energy-cutting measures that many solar panel customers undertake, such as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs.
Overall, Walgreen’s has committed to reducing its energy consumption 20 percent over the course of the next decade. Whether that means more “zero energy stores” or a commitment to more solar panel kits installation remains to be seen. The chain operates more than 8,000 stores throughout the US.
While Walgreen’s isn’t the first corporation to employ solar panels as part of a commitment to the environment, the company’s example paves the way for companies that run smaller stores and offices to take a second look at solar power. Other companies already using solar energy include industry giants Apple, IKEA, and Walmart.