Columbia Sportswear Begins Installing 100 Kilowatt Solar Energy System at Its Portland, Oregon Headquarters
PORTLAND, OR -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/22/08 -- Columbia Sportswear Company (NASDAQ: COLM), a global leader in the outdoor apparel and footwear industries, and Tanner Creek Energy today announced that the companies have begun installation of a 100 KW grid-tied solar electric system at Columbia's Portland, Oregon headquarters.
When completed, the system will consist of a total of 570 photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on the roof of two of Columbia's buildings. Power generated by the system will be fed back into the power grid through a meter and credited to Columbia's account. Tanner Creek Energy, an Oregon-based developer of commercial and industrial scale solar electric systems, designed the solar system for Columbia and is acting as the project's general contractor.
"Columbia's participation in this project demonstrates the growing viability of sustainable energy solutions and reinforces Oregon's leadership in solar energy," said Kristen Sagan, Columbia's sustainability manager. "Columbia is actively seeking to implement best practices that will reduce the use of non-renewable energy sources at our headquarters in Washington County. We chose to partner with Tanner Creek Energy for this project because of our shared commitment to the local economy and to supporting the adoption of more renewable energy sources."
Alan Hickenbottom, founder of Tanner Creek Energy, stated, "In addition to helping customers like Columbia take advantage of the financial incentives and energy benefits solar provides, we are committed to building an industry in Oregon that supports local manufacturing and trade association jobs."
Tanner Creek sourced product from two Oregon companies in the design and installation of Columbia's roof-mounted PV system. Solar World USA of Hillsboro provided the 570 solar panels and PV Powered of Bend provided the utility inverter which connects the system to the local utility grid.
Columbia expects to recover the initial cost of the system within the next three-and-a-half to four years. In addition to its solar initiative at its headquarters, Columbia's Mountain Hardwear(TM) subsidiary in Richmond, CA has also embarked on a solar energy project this year.
Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear's president and chief executive officer, said, "Columbia Sportswear pioneered Omni-Shade apparel to protect outdoor enthusiasts from the harmful effects of the sun's rays. But those same rays can be safely harnessed to benefit the environment by reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. By implementing renewable energy projects such as these, Columbia is proud to join the growing list of pioneers who are demonstrating that solar energy systems are not only environmentally responsible but also make good business sense."
About Columbia Sportswear
Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and a leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. The Company manages a portfolio of outdoor brands including Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear, Sorel, Montrail and Pacific Trail. To learn more about Columbia, please visit the Company's website at www.columbia.com.
About Tanner Creek Energy
Tanner Creek Energy is a general contractor (OR CCB 177151) and project developer of Commercial and Industrial scale solar electric systems in Oregon. Based in Portland, Tanner Creek is one of the fastest growing renewable energy developers in the state. The company is committed to supporting the local economy while helping organizations leverage the financial benefits of embracing renewable energy sources. For more information, contact 503.703.0602 or visit www.tannercreekenergy.com.
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Contact Information: Columbia Sportswear Leslie Constans Ph: 503-985-4183 Email Contact Tanner Creek Energy Beth Fox Ph: 503-781-1717 Email Contact
Released October 22, 2008