A 1 megawatt solar power system installed by Gap Inc. at its West Coast distribution center is expected to eliminate 2.5 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually -- the equivalent of taking 2,466 cars off the road.

It is one of the largest installations of its kind in Northern California.

"We are very excited this solar power system is now online," said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, the Gap's senior director of strategic planning and environmental affairs, speaking at Wednesday's dedication ceremony. "We made the commitment to host this solar system nearly 15 months ago and are proud to support the clean energy it generates. Over the past decade, Gap Inc. has sought to find better ways to do business and this solar installation is one such shining example."

To complete the project, the Gap worked with MMA Renewable Ventures and SunPower Corporation. MMA owns and operates the solar installation, taking a significant financial burden off the clothing retailer. MMA also brought its experience in leveraging tax credits and incentives to help finance solar power systems to the table. Gap purchases the power generated by the installation through a power purchase agreement. MMA has stated that Gap Inc. will save money on its electric bill from the first day of the solar power system's operation.

SunPower handled the design and installation of the system, using its SunPower Tracker system to increase sunlight capture by up to 25 percent over that collected by conventional fixed-tilt systems. SunPower was also able to minimize the land necessary for the power system, requiring only five acres to construct the installation. Those five acres were previously unused, although already a part of Gap's distribution campus in Fresno, California.

As many retailers move to green their distribution methods, most focus on improving the fuel usage of the trucks necessary to ship goods from one end of the country to the other. While those improvements are necessary changes, it's easy to forget that there are many other parts of the supply chain that can also benefit from a more sustainable approach.

Improving energy efficiency and making the switch to renewable power at the huge distribution centers that serve as hubs for retailers are equally important steps that not only can improve a company's carbon footprint but also reduce overall expenses. The Gap's efforts in this area will serve as an example to other retailers.

Image — Gap Inc.