Starbucks continues its sustainability investments with new solar power projectsStarbucks continues its sustainability investments with new solar power projects

Joanna Fantozzi

Starbucks has been announcing multiple sustainability efforts this summer, as part of the ramped-up efforts to combat climate change that CEO Laxman Narasimhan mentioned at the end of 2023.  

First, Starbucks launched another returnable beverage cup pilot program in partnership with NextGen, and then last week, the Seattle-based coffee chain announced a partnership with Mercedes-Benz to install 400 electric vehicle chargers at 100 Starbucks stores. In the latest green news, Starbucks has announced six new solar energy projects in Illinois in partnership with Nexamp, which will provide electricity savings to more than 1,100 Illinois residents and purchase electricity for 170 area Starbucks stores.

"Starbucks is committed to our environmental promise to give more than we take, and we have a long history of renewable energy projects that bring clean energy to more communities," Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer, said in a statement. "We're proud to support Nexamp's efforts to bring community solar into areas where it can have the most impact and make savings opportunities available to community members."

By investing in the Nexamp solar projects, Starbucks will receive renewable electricity credits to power its own stores. In total, the project will provide more than 40 megawatts of solar energy in Illinois communities, building upon the 340 Illinois Starbucks stores that are powered by wind energy.

Related:Starbucks joins Dunkin’, Peet’s Coffee, Burger King, Yum Brands, and other restaurants in piloting reusable cups program with NextGen Consortium

While sustainability goals have long been a part of Starbucks’ corporate commitments, the company has increased its investments as of late, and even created a new environmental, partner and community impact board committee to hold the board accountable for introducing as many green investments and changes as possible.

“If you look at what's coming with regard to the changes taking place and regulations, particularly on climate, if you look at the assessments that we've been doing internally, we felt it was appropriate to put a committee together that would actually oversee what we do in this entire space,” Narasimhan said last year.

The solar panel projects are currently under construction and are expected to be completed by 2025.

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