Advocates from Environment America Research & Policy Center are calling on FedEx to take a leading role in the transition to renewable energy sources in the United States. They delivered a petition signed by over 11,500 people, urging the shipping giant to commit to installing solar panels on its warehouses and parking lots by 2035. Johanna Neumann, senior director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center, emphasized the importance of solar power, stating, "Rooftop solar is where Now Meets Next." She believes that FedEx can contribute to a cleaner, greener future by utilizing its warehouse rooftops for solar energy generation.
A recent report titled "Solar on Warehouses" revealed that if all warehouse roofs in the country were equipped with solar panels, they could generate enough energy to power over 19 million average homes. Despite this potential, most American warehouses currently lack solar panels. FedEx, with its extensive facilities and over 5,000 owned and operated locations, possesses an opportunity to make a significant impact. Researchers at Environment America Research & Policy Center analyzed the solar potential of FedEx's rooftops and determined that maximizing this potential could provide 61% of the electricity the company purchased in 2021.
While FedEx has already made commitments to carbon neutrality by 2040 and the electrification of its vehicle fleet by the same year, there is no explicit mention of goals or plans for renewable energy or rooftop solar installations in their publicly available documents. "Every warehouse without solar panels on its roof is a missed opportunity," Neumann expressed.
The importance of rooftop solar infrastructure cannot be understated in the context of America's clean energy future. In addition to increasing renewable electric power, these distributed panels protect ecologically significant open spaces and enhance community resilience to power grid disruptions, particularly in the face of intensifying extreme weather events.
A poll conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group in March 2023 revealed that 86% of U.S. adults welcome the idea of rooftop solar panels in their communities. Emily Mason, a clean energy advocate at Environment America Research & Policy Center, highlighted FedEx's industry leadership and the corresponding responsibility it carries. "We're here to shine a spotlight on FedEx's golden solar opportunity and to encourage them to embrace it," she stated.
The call for FedEx to commit to solar power is part of a larger movement towards renewable energy adoption and sustainability. As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, companies like FedEx have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact by embracing clean energy solutions.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://environmentamerica.org/texas/media-center/environmental-advocates-petition-fedex-to-go-solar/
