Natuzzi Group, the largest Italian furniture company, and Scheuten Solar, a fast growing company in the solar energy, signed a contract to build five photovoltaic systems to be installed on rooftops of different Natuzzi plants and trading offices in Puglia and Basilicata, Italy. The agreement includes the installation of 21,000 photovoltaic panels with an annual estimated power of about 4.5 Megawatt per plant.
The investment amounts to 13 million (Euro), and will be amortized over five years. The installation accounts for an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 3,400 tons, equal to the annual emission of about 1,200 cars. This result is significant and confirms the company’s commitment towards the environment.
Ad Verbaas, Chief planner of Scheuten Solar, said, “I’m very proud to have realized a project of this scale with a well-known company like Natuzzi Group. Following the building, PV systems will start working soon and will produce about 6 million Kw/h yearly, equal to 60% of energy requirements of Natuzzi Italy plants of Puglia and Basilicata”.
Pasquale Natuzzi, chairman and chief executive officer of Natuzzi S.p.A., remarked, “Our commitment for sustainable development is not only a responsibility, but also an opportunity. It expresses a forward looking investment which is fundamental for every company’s continuity. Renewable energies are also an opportunity to compete keeping the operating costs low. Combining the sustainable development with the competitiveness is a challenge that our company wants to carry on in order to improve the quality of life in the territory”.
The environmental management system of Natuzzi Group was certified ISO 14001 in 2002. The adoption of renewable energy demonstrates the company purpose to control the environmental impacts of its production activities and seek improvement in a coherent, effective and, above all, sustainable way.
- Natuzzi Group uses various construction materials in order to save precious timber resources.
- The Group’s engineered wood is renewable, natural and requires less energy to manufacturer and reduces waste.
- The innovative and patented Ecoflex foam cushions are CFC-free and hypoallergenic to most people.
- Leather hides are strictly a natural byproduct of the beef industry and a recycled material.
- Natuzzi Group owns the Italian tanneries and recycles the water used in processing.
About Natuzzi Group: Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. designs and manufactures a broad collection of residential upholstered furniture. With consolidated revenues of EUR 515.4 million in 2009, Natuzzi is Italy's largest furniture manufacturer. Natuzzi Group exports its innovative high-quality sofas and armchairs to 123 markets on five continents. Cutting-edge design, superior Italian craftsmanship and advanced, vertically integrated manufacturing operations underpin the Company's market leadership. Natuzzi S.p.A. has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 1993. The Company is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified.