Dollar Tree to partner on seven New York solar power plants

Dollar Tree has formed a partnership to support the construction of seven community solar power plants in New York state, which combined are estimated to generate 55.77 GWh (gigawatt hours) of clean energy annually, the equivalent of avoiding more than 24,000 metric tons of CO2 each year, reports media website EnergyTech. 

The partnership is with solar energy solutions company DSD Renewables, which said it plans to build solar farms in East Syracuse, Cortland, Remsen, Medina, Silver Creek, and Brier Hill.

In addition, Dollar Tree will serve as an anchor tenant subscriber, allowing the company to offset 29% of energy needs across 184 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores in New York. 

Five of the seven projects are already under construction, while two more remain optional as part of the proposal. They are expected to be completed in stages starting in the Fall.  

“Community solar is a unique and emerging energy solution for many of our facilities. Serving as an anchor subscriber will power our facilities with renewable energy and help us toward our future Net Zero commitment,” said Jennifer Silberman, chief sustainability officer at Dollar Tree. “Simultaneously, it allows us to deliver real benefits to the communities we serve, increasing access to clean, affordable energy for residents and local businesses.”

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Dollar Tree has made several C-suite hires recently, with one being Silberman as chief sustainability officer at the end of last year. Silberman was previously vice president of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) for YETI where she established the company’s first ESG priorities. She also led corporate responsibility efforts and teams for global companies that include Target and Hilton.

The partnership supports Dollar Tree’s commitment to set a science-based net zero target by June 30, 3024.