Sun Belle announced about new environmental initiative at Jessup, Maryland, Distribution Center

Sun Belle, a distributor that brought fresh and high quality fruits and vegetables to U.S. consumers, take steps toward a sustainable future through initiatives which decreasing environmental impact. The company announced about a new green initiative at its 64,000 square feet warehouse and distribution facility in Jessup, Maryland. It is assumes that a solar powered system with a capacity of 450 MWh that installed on the roof of the company will significantly reduce costs.

Due to the Sun Belle's constant refrigeration demands, the company was looking for a solution that would offset the increase in utility costs and make a positive impact on the environment. Aurora Energy, Inc. from Columbia, Maryland, teamed up with Sun Belle to implement this project.

Janice L. Honigberg, president of Sun Belle Inc., said, “Aurora Energy offered a perfect solution for us with the added benefit of being able to utilize land adjacent to our facility as a pollinator meadow.”

New solar array, using SunPower P19-395-COM modules, covers 33,500 square feet of rooftop space, will offset more than 35% of the facility’s energy needs. It will generate 592 MWh each year, which is enough to power 48 houses, and will offset 420 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Dr. Fariborz Majhouri, CEO of Aurora Energy, Inc., commented, “Sun Belle’s investment in rooftop solar capitalizes an underutilized asset – the rooftop of their facility. They have converted this warehouse roof space to a small power plant that can produce clean energy while saving money. It’s a win-win scenario.”

The company also planned to build a second array of solar panels (225 kW of ground installation) this fall, which will increase solar energy production by another 287 MWh annually. Sun Belle's commitment to the environment demonstrated by planting a pollinator meadow, with pollinator plants such as wild senna, oxeye sunflower, partridge pea, showy tick trefoil, big bluestem and different varieties of switchgrass.

Sun Belle Inc. is the exclusive marketer of the Sun Belle and Green Belle brands. The company distributes conventional and organic berries, green house and specialty produce.

Find more information on company’s website.