DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has reiterated its commitment to sustainability with its 100th rooftop solar power system installation in a store in Mason, Ohio.

Since its first solar installation in 2007, Walgreens has expanded its plans to include stores and distribution centers in Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Oregon and Ohio for a total of over 130 installations nationwide by the end of the year.

“This is an important milestone as we continue to explore ways to expand our use of environmentally friendly technology to reduce energy consumption,” notes Mark Wagner, Walgreens’ president of community management and operations. “Our use of solar power across Ohio is a great example of how businesses, state officials and developers of green technologies can help make a difference in our communities and for the planet.”

In Ohio alone, the company has 53 installations in 20 counties, making this the largest rollout of solar in one state for one entity. Walgreens is working with SoCore Energy, which will own, maintain and monitor the rooftop systems. SoCore and Walgreens have also teamed with First Energy Solutions to manage a renewable energy certificate process.

“Solar energy solutions cut costs and promote emerging clean energy jobs and markets in communities across America,” points out Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, who joined representatives from SoCore Energy, state and local officials, and Walgreens at an event marking the 100th solar installation. “It is leadership from private sector companies like Walgreens and the commitment of this administration to building a cleaner, greener economy that will help to ensure America is second to none.”

Walgreens has a long-standing commitment to reducing energy usage and expanding renewable energy initiatives.

Last November the company became the nation’s first drug store chain to install a geothermal energy system at one of its stores in Oak Park, Ill. Walgreens Mira Mesa, Calif., location became the first drug store to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition, the company uses an energy management system that monitors electricity, water, heating and cooling, and waste management at over 1,100 stores to help reduce energy use and maintenance costs while extending equipment life.