Lowe's invests in rooftop solar panels

Lowe's has announced details of rooftop solar panel installations at 174 stores and distribution centres nationwide, including 20 sites currently in operation. Once each site is complete, the solar panels will provide approximately 90 per cent of the energy used at each location, according to the number two in the US home improvement retail industry.

Through partnerships with DSD Renewables (DSD), Greenskies Clean Focus and Infiniti Energy, Lowe's rooftop solar panel installations span locations across California, Illinois and New Jersey. The DIY store operator states that these investments will help to reduce its operational emissions and reach its goal of having its operations powered by 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. This investment in rooftop solar panels builds on Lowe's recent sustainability progress, including achieving its 2025 goal of reducing scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent - relative to 2016 emissions levels - four years early.

"Investing in renewable energy lowers operating costs and is an important step in reducing emissions associated with our stores and distribution centres. This initial rooftop solar portfolio is one example of the collaboration we seek with partners as we work toward our long-term and interim net-zero goals," says Chris Cassell, Lowe's vice-president of corporate sustainability.