LOS ANGELES – (July 14, 2011) -- Westfield Group, (ASX Code: WDC) one of the world’s largest retail property groups, today announced two solar energy initiatives in Greater Los Angeles, totaling $6 million, taking place at Westfield Topanga, and Westfield Fashion Square, two of the company’s premier retail properties in the US. The two programs combined represent the latest and largest solar projects in the company’s US portfolio.  Westfield credits the leadership of the City of Los Angeles for calling on area businesses to increase their efforts on energy conservation.  

“We commend Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilmember Zine, and our County Supervisors for setting ambitious goals for Los Angeles to become more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable, a commitment we share,” says Larry Green, Westfield senior vice president, US development. “Conservation and sustainability are among our company priorities, and today’s announcement is another example of Westfield’s commitment and response to our community’s leaders.  Today’s announcement is indicative of the exemplary efforts spearheaded by Councilmember Dennis P. Zine of Council District 3 and his team. We are proud to be delivering to Los Angeles the largest solar initiative undertaken by our company in the US.” 

Westfield Topanga project’s scope includes retrofitting the shopping center’s roof to accommodate more than 3,000 solar modules. When fully functional, the solar panels will generate over 1,000,000 kWh.

Westfield Fashion Square initiative includes the installation of over 2,900 solar modules on the rooftop and carport. This system will generate over 1,400,000 kWh.

The solar initiative is part of Westfield’s overall efforts to have a positive impact in the communities in which its centers are located. The solar energy at both centers will be used to offset the energy received from the grid. In addition, these clean energy projects will deliver new jobs to the communities.  

The solar energy produced at the centers will result in the equivalent of eliminating the CO2 emissions from over 189,000 gallons of gasoline consumed; or over 69,000 propane cylinders used for home barbecue grills; or the electricity use of close to 200 homes; or the annual Greenhouse emissions from over 300 passenger vehicles among additional savings.

Westfield’s proactive approach to sustainability is recognized by local officials and utilities.  “Westfield’s commitment to solar energy throughout Los Angeles represents one of the largest commitments by a retail real estate owner to generate solar power in the nation.  We commend their efforts towards sustainability,” says Los Angeles Third District County Supervisor, Zev Yaroslavsky.

At today’s announcement, Westfield was presented with multiple awards for its commitment to sustainability, including a Sustainability Award presented by the office of California State Senator Fran Pavley, a Commitment to Sustainability Award presented by Los Angeles Third District Councilman Dennis P. Zine, a Certificate of Recognition presented by the office of Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield of the 40th Assembly District, and the Sustainability Partnership designation presented by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power.