Sustainability

The number of U.S. businesses with solar energy installations grew to a new high in 2015. Enterprises ranging from family-run companies to some of the country’s biggest corporations are producing their own energy, cutting operating expenses and achieving environmental sustainability.

A recent report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) provides data and insights into the diverse mix of corporate offices, office buildings, retail, manufacturing, data centers, distribution and logistics centers, and convention centers that have gone solar.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Trademark Property Co. announced that it is under contract to purchase 3.5 acres of land adjacent to its 278,000-sq.-ft. WestBend mixed-use development in Fort Worth, Texas. The parcel is located on University Drive immediately south of WestBend, along the Trinity River.

The federal government has extended the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar energy investments through 2019. It provides businesses that install solar panels a tax credit equal to 30% of the total solar installation price. The credit will ramp down to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021 and to 10% in 2022 for commercial solar installations.

Zara has opened an eco-friendly flagship in the heart of Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. It is the Spanish retailer’s eight location in Manhattan.

Kohl’s announced it donated more than $51 million in 2015 through various charitable efforts and programs.

The donations include nearly $16 million in corporate grants through Kohl’s premier associate volunteer program and approximately $19 million donated through Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise, in addition to other philanthropic giving.

Discount grocer Aldi has deployed an energy management solution that gives it control and visibility across its nearly 1,500 U.S. stores.

The chain has implemented Siemens’ Site Controls energy management system, with the majority of the installations involving retrofits at existing stores where thermostats or third-party energy management systems were replaced. But the system has been deployed in newly constructed stores as well. Aldi will also install the Site Controls system in new stores as it continues to expand across the nation.

Delhaize America is joining other retailers in announcing it will work with suppliers to reach a 100% cage-free shell egg assortment by 2025.

Albertsons is joining other major retailers in working with its suppliers toward a goal of sourcing only cage-free eggs for its store operations.

The company, among the first and largest in the conventional retail grocery sector to make such a commitment, is making the move not only as part of its ongoing commitment to animal welfare but also in response to customer buying habits.