Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has announced a commitment to generate solar electricity at its studio lot in Culver City, Calif.
The 1.6 MW SunPower project is expected to generate over 58 million kWh of solar power over 25 years. When combined with the lot’s existing solar capacity, 1.83 MW of solar will generate clean, on-site power and account for approximately 8.5% of the studio lot’s electricity use.
“Sony Pictures has long prioritized sustainability to reduce our environmental impact while delivering the creative, entertaining content we’re recognized for around the world,” says Craig Schwartz, executive vice president for global real estate, facilities and SEHS at SPE. “We look forward to integrating SunPower’s solar technology into our energy portfolio as we work toward our sustainability goals.”
As an RE100 member, Sony Group companies, including SPE, are committed to reaching 100% renewable power. Efforts to go solar also contribute to parent company Sony Corp.’s Road to Zero, a global environmental plan that aims to achieve a zero environmental footprint by 2050.
SunPower designed and is installing complete rooftop solar solutions across eight Sony Pictures sound stages, including Stage 30, which is best known for its 90-by-100-foot water tank and where productions such as Spider-Man II, Men in Black II and The Amazing Spider-Man were filmed. Solar project construction is expected to begin later this month and reach full operation in early 2020.
“We commend Sony Pictures for its sustainability leadership within the entertainment industry,” says Nam Nguyen, SunPower’s executive vice president of commercial solar. “SunPower’s energy solutions are designed to deliver reliable, clean electricity, and as the leader in U.S. commercial solar, we look forward to supporting Sony Pictures in its renewable energy efforts for years to come.”
