Nestle Purina PetCare unveiled the region’s largest private solar array at its Flagstaff, Arizona pet food manufacturing facility. The solar array, designed and installed by
REC Solar, represents the latest step in Nestle Purina’s commitment to being a leader in environmental performance and sustainability. U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, a native of Flagstaff, led a dedication ceremony at the plant, where nearly 1,900 glistening solar panels span over 70,000 square feet on the rooftop. The solar array will take advantage of Arizona’s average of 300 days of sunshine annually to produce emission-free solar electricity.”This Nestle Purina solar project is good for the environment, good for the community, and good for business,” Rep. Gosar said. “It’s an excellent example of collaboration between private industry and federal and state entities, with long-term benefits for all stakeholders. It’s encouraging to see major companies like Nestle Purina working hard to produce their products in an increasingly environmentally responsible manner.”
“The 427-killowatt solar PV system will produce nearly 12 million kilowatt hours of clean, emission free solar electricity over its lifetime,” said Cary Hayes, Director of Business Development for REC Solar. “This production volume offsets over 16 million pounds of greenhouse gases, equivalent to planting more than 40,000 trees.” REC Solar is one of the oldest and largest national solar integrators in the country, operating in six states. In addition to installing the Flagstaff solar array, REC partnered with Purina for the 2008 installation of a solar array at the Nestle Purina Denver pet food facility, the nation’s first major pet food plant to pilot a solar energy array. Nestle Purina Flagstaff, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2010, produces many of the world’s most popular and trusted pet food brands, including Purina ONE beyOnd, Purina Cat Chow and Purina Beneful brand. In 2008, Nestle Purina Flagstaff joined the Northern Arizona Renewable Energy group. Through the Arizona Public Service (APS) Green Choice program, the Flagstaff facility and other participants purchase a portion of their electric usage generated from a variety of renewable resources like wind and solar.
After Rep. Gosar spoke at today’s event, he participated in a “Purina-style” ribbon-cutting, conducted with the help of a 9-pound Papillon named Primo. The small dog, who took first place in last week’s national agility competition at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, traveled from Phoenix with his owner, Roger Coors, to take part in the celebration.