Morton Arboretum Going Solar
The Morton Arboretum has entered into a 30-year power purchase agreement with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources to install a two-megawatt onsite solar array anticipated to meet 100 percent of the organization’s annual electricity needs beginning in 2023. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023 and be completed next fall, and will produce about 3 million kilowatt hours annually.
James S. Fawley, Arboretum interim president and CEO, says, “As one of the world’s leading tree conservation organizations, The Morton Arboretum is actively pursuing transformative, environmental sustainability throughout its operations. Just as trees capture and convert sunlight that strikes their leaves to create their own energy, the Arboretum will do the same by sourcing its electricity from the sun.”
Matt Ulman, NextEra Energy Resources vice president of distributed generation, says, “We are pleased to be working with The Morton Arboretum to generate their power from clean, renewable solar.”
Rachel Novick, director of sustainability, says, “The Arboretum is committed to being a leader in sustainability among botanical gardens. Renewable energy is just one aspect of our broader approach, which includes energy conservation, composting, waste reduction and fleet electrification.”
The Morton Arboretum is located at 4100 IL Rte. 53, in Lisle. For more information, visit MortonArb.org.
