Clay Lacy Aviation, a member of the California Green Business Network, has completed installation of a 500 kW solar array covering approximately 30,000 sq ft of roof space at its Van Nuys airport headquarters, hangar and maintenance facility.

Generating 750,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, the 500 kW system will offset the equivalent of 530 metric tons of CO2, the same amount of CO2 generated by driving more than 1.3 million passenger miles in an average car, or burning over 584,000 pounds of coal. Clay Lacy's Van Nuys energy costs will be reduced by 56 per cent annually, while lessening local power demands. Additional facility upgrades include 200 energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures and 44 vehicle charging stations.

The Van Nuys solar panel installation is the latest milestone in Clay Lacy's strategic plan to operate more sustainably, on the ground and in the air. The company has been working closely with fuel suppliers and aviation industry associations to foster the development and use of sustainable jet fuel. The company also facilitates a voluntary carbon offset programme for business jet aircraft owners administered by World Kinect Energy Services. Clients can purchase carbon credits to offset 100 per cent of the CO2 emissions created by their aircraft. The carbon credits support GoldStandard.org sustainability projects that replenish, conserve and more effectively manage forests around the world.

“We are committed to operating sustainably and making significant progress toward a net-zero carbon footprint,” says Scott Cutshall, SVP business operations. “These improvements are the first of many to help us achieve our sustainability goals.”