LOS ANGELES — Clay Lacy Aviation has completed the installation of a 500 kilowatt (kW) solar array covering approximately 30,000 square feet of roof space at the company’s Van Nuys Airport (VNY) headquarters, hangar, and maintenance facility.
Generating 750,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, the solar array will offset the equivalent of 530 metric tons of CO2, the same amount of CO2 generated by driving more than 1.3 million passenger miles in an average car or burning over 584,000 pounds of coal, according to Clay Lacy officials.
Clay Lacy’s Van Nuys energy costs will be reduced by 56% annually, while lessening local power demands, company officials added.
Additional facility upgrades include 200 energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures and 44 vehicle charging stations.
The solar panel installation is the latest milestone in Clay Lacy’s long-term strategic plan to operate more sustainably, on the ground and in the air, company officials note. The company has been working with fuel suppliers and aviation industry associations to foster the development and use of sustainable jet fuel. Clay Lacy also facilitates a voluntary carbon offset program for business jet aircraft owners administered by World Kinect Energy Services. Clients can purchase carbon credits to offset 100% of the CO2 emissions created by their aircraft. The carbon credits support GoldStandard.org sustainability projects that replenish, conserve and more effectively manage forests around the world.
“We are committed to operating sustainably and making significant progress toward a net-zero carbon footprint,” said Scott Cutshall, SVP Business Operations, Clay Lacy Aviation. “These improvements are the first of many to help us achieve our sustainability goals.”
Founded in 1968 by legendary aviator and industry pioneer Clay Lacy, Clay Lacy Aviation has aircraft operations and regional offices across the U.S., including FBOs at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles and Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, with a third FBO opening at Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Connecticut in 2022. Clay Lacy also has FAA Part 145 aircraft maintenance centers in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Oxford, Connecticut.