Canadian express parcels operator Purolator is sunning itself with new awards and a ‘green’programme to install solar rooftops at 11 facilities.
Under an agreement announced yesterday, SunEdison, the solar energy subsidiary of MEMCElectronic Materials Inc., will develop industrial rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects forPurolator buildings.
SunEdison will deploy, operate and maintain approximately 1.14 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaicsolar energy systems over five buildings, with future opportunities for another 1.2 MW distributedover an additional six buildings. The projects will be hosted at Purolator-owned facilities, andthe Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will purchase the energy produced under the terms of Ontario’sFeed-in Tariff Program (FIT).
The Purolator projects will be located throughout Ontario, including Etobicoke, Ottawa,Hamilton and Pickering. Over 20 years, the systems are expected to generate more than 22.4 millionkWh of clean energy and are estimated to offset more than 4.67 million kgs of CO2 into theatmosphere, which is the equivalent of removing more than 1,000 cars from the road for one year.
“This programme is an important element of our sustainability efforts at Purolator,” said JimMcLellan, Director, Real Estate, Purolator. “We are continually exploring new technologies andimplementing ways to increase energy efficiency and decrease emissions. The SunEdison solutioncreates a triple benefit: the revenue generated from the programme assists with investments infuture capabilities, it produces clean energy by harnessing the power of the sun and it createsgreen jobs for Ontario.”
Meanwhile, the Canadian express parcels firm has recently picked up awards for the quality ofits services. It was selected as a 2011 Shipper’s Choice Award winner in the Courier category forsurpassing industry benchmarks for performance excellence in a customer survey conducted by theCanadian Transportation and Logistics magazine.
“Purolator provides a suite of flexible and reliable delivery solutions backed by thestrength of our 11,500 teammates and a network that is unlike any other,” said Tom Schmitt,President and CEO of Purolator. “We value the relationships we’ve built with our customers and arehonoured to be recognised with a Shipper’s Choice Award.”
Last month the company was awarded Logistics Quarterly’s 2011 Third-Party Logistics (3PL)Sustainability Award for demonstrating leadership in sustainable supply chain practices and inparticular for its work with Echo Global Logistics, for which it provides delivery services.
As a non-asset based logistics provider, Echo leverages Purolator’s comprehensivedistribution network and environmentally friendly solutions to deliver on its commitment tocustomers. From freight consolidation services to electronic invoicing, Purolator’s efforts indriving sustainable solutions across the supply chain have been instrumental in Echo’s continuedfocus to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Echo relies on its carrier relationships to achieve the sustainability goals of itsclients,” said CEO Doug Waggoner. “Purolator’s commitment and capital investment in environmentalsystems and technologies have enabled us to assist suppliers in achieving their green initiatives.”
