Oxford Properties Grouptoday announced plans to develop a minimum of one million square feet of rooftop solar projects across North America by 2022.
By piloting its rooftop solar project, Oxford seeks to demonstrate the economic benefits of solar energy, as well as the clear environmental benefits.
The solar program is part of Oxford’s wider pledge to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2025.
The company — which co-developed Hudson yards with Related and is redeveloping the old St John Terminal building in Hudson Square — announced a partnership with Washington, D.C. based nonprofit New Partners Community Solar, the region’s premier solar development corporation dedicated to promoting sustainability and supporting low-income communities.
Through its partnership with NP Solar, Oxford will host one of the largest community solar panel projects in Washington, D.C. at Oxford’s Gallery Place, featuring a 2,200 s/f vertical array affixed to a screen wall.
At 1101 New York Avenue, Oxford will also host the first significant combined green roof and solar panel array, as well as the largest roof terrace solar canopy in D.C.’s commercial core.
All of the clean renewable energy produced will be donated to low income households via a monthly credit of 50 percent off their monthly electric bills.
“Sustainability and energy efficiency are core principles in Oxford’s strategy,” said Eric Plesman, Executive Vice President, North America at Oxford Properties.
“We recognize the importance of incorporating renewable energy and reducing the carbon footprint across the Oxford portfolio, and we hope our work can be a model in the real estate industry by demonstrating that solar energy is both environmentally and financially smart. By making this public commitment, we’re holding ourselves accountable to deliver industry-leading sustainability practices to our customers and communities.”
“Oxford is proud to be an innovative leader in promoting sustainability and giving back to the community. Our partnership with NP Solar at both Gallery Place and 1101 New York Avenue is a testament to the team’s ingenuity and commitment to sustainability,” said Chris Mundy, US Head of Office at Oxford Properties.
Oxford’s first significant solar project was completed in 2017 at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.
The project includes 600 rooftop solar panels installed on 20,000 square feet of Yorkdale’s rooftop. The project generates over 230,000 kWh of clean electricity per year – equivalent to three months of interior and exterior lighting at the property.
Since 2015, Oxford has reduced carbon emission intensity by nine percent, on way to achieve its target of 30 percent reduction by 2025, while 11 percent reduction has been made in water consumption in the same timeframe.
