Pivot Energy and Tapestry Celebrate Milestone with Community Solar Projects in Illinois
Pivot Energy Partners with Tapestry for Illinois Solar Projects
In a significant advancement for renewable energy initiatives, Pivot Energy, a prominent renewable energy provider, has joined forces with Tapestry, Inc., the parent company of renowned brands like Coach and Kate Spade. Together, they have recently completed three community solar projects in Illinois, marking a milestone in their collaborative effort to harness clean energy.
Overview of the New Projects
The newly established community solar projects are located in Peoria, Dover, and Ottawa, together producing around 13.475 megawatts (MWac) of power. These facilities stand as part of a larger commitment between Pivot and Tapestry, which includes a 15-year agreement where Tapestry will purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated by these installations. The projects are anticipated to yield over 23,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy yearly, a contribution that can power approximately 2,500 households in Illinois.
This collaborative effort highlights a growing trend in sustainability and renewable energy that is becoming increasingly vital in today's energy discussions. The completion of these projects is just the beginning, with additional ventures planned to be finalized by 2030, expanding the impact of renewable initiatives in the region.
Commitment to Local Communities
Beyond just energy generation, Pivot Energy emphasizes its commitment to local community investments as part of their sustainability efforts. As part of the five-project portfolio, over $115,000 will be allocated to local initiatives, with nearly $65,000 already contributed to support organizations such as Illinois Central College (ICC) and HIRE360. These donations are aimed at enhancing workforce training programs that promote access to careers in the solar energy sector.
Advancing Renewable Energy Goals
Tapestry's interaction with Pivot Energy underscores its larger mission to operate sustainably and minimize its environmental footprint. The recent decision by Tapestry to affirm its commitment to 100% renewable electricity across all its global facilities by December 2025 reinforces its broader climate goals. Through this partnership, Tapestry is not only bolstering its energy sourcing but also driving essential resources into community-driven projects that catalyze local development and job training opportunities.
Logan Duran, Global Head of ESG & Sustainability at Tapestry, expressed, "These Illinois solar projects mark a significant milestone in Tapestry's renewable energy strategy. Our partnership with Pivot Energy has been instrumental in achieving 100% renewable electricity across our own operations, a key step toward meeting our science-based climate targets."
Inspirational Quotes from Community Members
Comments from key figures at HIRE360 and Illinois Central College highlight the community spirit of this initiative. Jay Rowell, Executive Director of HIRE360, shared, "We are thrilled to share that Pivot Energy has made a generous contribution to support our pre-apprenticeship programs. Its support will help us advance workforce pathways into the solar industry, focusing on transitioning workers from fossil fuel trades and empowering underrepresented groups."
Similarly, Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, the President of Illinois Central College, stated her gratitude for Pivot’s contributions to empower students pursuing careers in renewable energy. These sentiments reinforce the positive societal impacts stemming from the completion of these solar projects.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Pivot Energy and Tapestry, Inc. signifies a pivotal moment in the trajectory of community-focused renewable energy initiatives. Through sustained efforts in powering neighborhoods and enhancing local job opportunities, both organizations are committing to a future where clean energy is more accessible to all. As they look forward to completing further projects, it's clear that their dedication to sustainability and community integration will continue to shape the landscape of renewable energy in Illinois and beyond.
About Pivot Energy and Tapestry, Inc.
Pivot Energy is at the forefront of developing solar and energy storage projects while ensuring a positive impact on society through its certified B-Corporation status. Tapestry, Inc. is a global entity that unites iconic lifestyle brands, focusing on expanding their reach while embedding sustainability into their operational practices. Together, these companies are redefining the standards for corporate responsibility in the renewable energy sector.