REI in the Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon
When I look out the window from my office, I see the iconic smokestacks of the Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon. Those smokestacks are no longer functional, since the sawmill shut down decades ago, and the area has been transformed into a savvy shopping area for residents and tourists. Its core retail store is the outdoors shop, REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) Somewhat ironically, the rooftop from which the smokestacks emerge will soon be covered with solar panels! REI has started its mission of solar panel installation at 10% of its 105 stores nationwide.
REI was established in the Northwest in the 1930s as an outdoor gear co-op. Today, you can sign up to be a member of REI and share in its profits, as the co-op continues to the present day. Or, you can just shop there without a membership and enjoy the quality recreational and outdoor gear at REI. In case you were wondering… yes, I shop there, and yes, I am an REI member.
The planned solar panel installation at a number of REI stores is consistent with its philosophies and values. You can read inspiring information about the company’s environmental stewardship on its website. Even its products are designed with the environment in mind:
But getting back to the news about REI’s solar panel installation … Recently, three stores in the San Francisco area have completed the conversion to solar energy. Three stores in Oregon and two additional stores in California will also be sporting solar panels on their rooftops by the end of 2008!
Just a few more stores to go and the company will reach its goal to have 11 retail stores to be solar powered with rooftop solar arrays. Rooftop space is valuable for solar panel installation (and not just at REI). When all 11 stores complete the installation, the total area covered with panels will be more than 4 acres! As a result, more than 1.1 million kilowatt hours of clean solar energy will be generated, providing between 20 and 40% of the stores’ energy needs.
Protection of resources through use of solar energy, LEED-certified buildings, and more is a consistent theme at REI, as posted on its jobs page:
“At REI, outdoor recreation is our passion. We’re equally passionate about protecting and maintaining the places where we hike, climb, cycle, camp, paddle and ski. Advancing environmental stewardship through corporate giving, volunteerism and outreach programs is a key REI imperative in protecting the outdoors for future generations. Through our volunteerism, grants, workshops and education initiatives, REI commits time, money and gear to ensuring that the outdoors is accessible and respected by all. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s a whole lot of fun.”
I expect to see much more “green developments” coming from REI, as the company strives to reduce its energy usage, even as it continues to grow (yes, in this economy!). Although I’m still recovering from a stress fracture resulting from running a marathon in October, I will soon be heading over to the Old Mill District for some shopping for more outdoor gear, and to take a peak at the new solar panel installation at REI!
Tags: recreational equipment inc., rei, solar panel installation
December 29th, 2008 at 7:16 am
nice info thanks
May 19th, 2012 at 4:05 am
no mention of how the panels are being paid for? subsidized government handout or self funding which would be putting your money where you mouth is. it’s a good thing to do. but heroic as described only if self funded.