US Foods activates 430-kw solar power system at its distribution center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, says it will provide nearly 25% of facility's energy needs

Nevin Barich

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico , December 13, 2012 (press release) – Reinforcing its strong commitment to sustainability, US Foods today activated a 430 kilowatt solar power system at its distribution center in Albuquerque. Consisting of 1,772 photovoltaic panels, the rooftop solar array and will provide nearly 25 percent of the facility’s energy needs.

“New Mexicans are committed to an energy future for our nation that is both clean and domestic to increase our energy independence and create jobs here at home”
At its peak, the solar array will generate 711,000 kilowatt hours annually - enough electricity to power 71 average New Mexico homes.

“US Foods is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and providing a more sustainable future for our customers and community,” said John Szurek, division president, US Foods. “This solar panel system will improve our efficiency and allow us to meet our customers’ needs in a more sustainable way.”

The installation was commemorated by a “Flip the Switch” event at the Albuquerque division. Notable attendees included:

Patricia Dominguez, Office of U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich
Christine Landavazo, Office of U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman
Bianca Ortiz Wertheim, Office of U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
Michael Padilla, New Mexico State Senator-elect
Tom Zdunek, Bernalillo County Manager
Art De La Cruz, Bernalillo County Commissioner
"New Mexicans are committed to an energy future for our nation that is both clean and domestic to increase our energy independence and create jobs here at home," said U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich. "It's essential that New Mexico businesses are focusing not only on having a positive economic impact on local communities, but are doing so in a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible way. In New Mexico, we're proud to have business leaders that are looking out for the future of the state. Congratulations to US Foods on this impressive accomplishment."

The solar panel installation is the latest in a series of green initiatives implemented at the Albuquerque division. Prior improvements have included green landscaping and installation high-efficiency lighting throughout the facility.

US Foods is leasing the solar panels from Distributed Sun LLC, an industry leading commercial solar developer. The new solar panel array will offset the equivalent of 12,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 25 years. In addition to the Albuquerque location, US Foods has installed solar panels to power distribution centers in Perth Amboy, N.J., La Mirada, Calif., Phoenix and San Francisco.

About US Foods

With more than $20 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America. As one of America’s great food companies and leading distributors, US Foods is Keeping Kitchens Cooking and making life easier for more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company offers more than 350,000 products, including high-quality, exclusive brands such as the innovative Chef’s Line, a time-saving, chef-inspired line of scratch-quality products, and Rykoff Sexton, a premium line of specialty ingredients sourced from around the world. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoods.com.

Contacts

US Foods
Lisa Lecas
Manager, Corporate Communications
847.720.8243
Lisa.Lecas@usfoods.com

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