McCormick spices up renewable energy profile with solar investment

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Spice and specialty food maker McCormick & Co. has flipped the switch on its second major solar installation designed in collaboration with Constellation Energy. The 1.8-megawatt system is being described as one of the largest solar installations in Maryland. It sits atop the company's 363,000-square foot distribution center in Belcamp. This is the second joint project for McCormick in the state; in 2008, it brought a 1-megawatt installation online in Hunt Valley, Md.

In a statement issued for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, McCormick Chairman, President and CEO Alan Wison said:

"This newest solar installation is part of McCormick's commitment to sustainability. Since 2005, we have reduced our global water usage 26 percent, greenhouse gas emissions 23 percent, solid waste 22 percent and electricity 17 percent."

The project is actually owned and operated by Constellation Energy through a 20-year power purchase agreement. So, McCormick is, in effect, the solar host. The system uses 7,491 roof-mounted photovoltaic soar panels that are expected to produce approximately 2.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. That will be enough to offset approximately 75 percent of the facility's electricity needs. The resulting reduction in carbon dioxide emissions related to the facility is estimated at 1,600 metric tons.

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