Home Improvement

Pittsburgh -- Ikea has plugged in the new solar energy system installed at its Pittsburgh-area store in Robinson Township, Pa. The 86,800-sq.-ft. PV array consists of a 694-kW system, built with 2,884 panels. It will produce approximately 852,200 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 648 tons of carbon dioxide, eliminating the emissions of 115 cars or powering 73 homes yearly.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Electrolux has assigned Scott Bolbock to its Canadian headquarters to lead the development of canister vacuums for Electrolux Home Care Products across North America.

Oakbrook, Ill. -- Ace Hardware has launched an “Express” format for both current Ace retailers and other business owners seeking to integrate the Ace brand into their existing offerings. The new, more compact stores average 5,000-sq.-ft. or less, and include customized merchandising displays and stock more than 11,000 of the most popular and profitable hardware products.

Sikeston, Mo. -- Do it Best Corp. has broke ground in Sikeston, Mo., at the site of what will be the co-op’s newest and most technologically advanced distribution center.

In addition to increased size, the new center will feature a number of new technological advances and initiatives, including a new voice pick system, which has virtually eliminated order filling errors and will help maximize workflow.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Actress Jennifer Garner, on behalf of Save the Children is teaming up with Frigidaire, makers of the Affinity Front Load Washer, to invite families everywhere to share their "Adventures in Clean."

Consumers can go to Frigidaire's Facebook page to create and share movie posters chronicling their personal adventures in clean for a chance to win a new Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer as well as a trip to Hollywood for the "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," starring Garner, premiere.

Woodbridge, Va. -- Ikea officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed atop its store in Woodbridge, Va. The state’s largest such photovoltaic array, the 63,000-sq.-ft. PV installation consists of a 504-kW system, built with 2,100 panels.

The system will produce approximately 636,199 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 439 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 86 cars or powering 55 homes yearly.

Elgin, Ill. – Oak Brook, Ill.- based Inland Real Estate Acquisitions has announced the acquisition of South Elgin Commons, a 128,000-sq.-ft. shopping center in Elgin, Ill., for approximately $25 million.

The property was 100% leased at closing and is anchored by Ross Dress for Less, Toys “R” Us and LA Fitness.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot announced that it has been named to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of 2012 Energy Star Leaders for Leadership in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Office Depot’s significant energy reduction makes the retailer the first ever retailer in the United States to be recognized for a 30% or greater improvement.