Costeaux French Bakery activated its 207.4kW-DC solar array installed on its Baking Centre this week after a five-month process. The nearly 100-year-old bakery received approval from PG&E to start the system this past week. The launching of this system marks another milestone in the bakery’s commitment to sustainability.
“As a family-owned business, we are committed to providing the best legacy possible,” says Costeaux CEO Will Seppi. “Our business decisions take into consideration what is best for the future – my children, the next generation and our community. For these reasons, sustainability remains at the forefront of our endeavors. We are always looking for ways to improve.”
Costeaux sustainability initiatives began at its original facility in Healdsburg nearly 42 years ago when the Seppi family purchased the bakery. Early efforts included composting and providing excess bread for local livestock. When Will Seppi took over the family business, he was eager to outfit the 417 Healdsburg Avenue building with solar panels. In addition to the solar panels, the bakery was an early adapter of LED lights and water-efficient devices including low-flow toilets and automatic faucets, as well as using recycled table water for plant irrigation.
In 2015, Costeaux relocated its baking operations. With sustainability in mind, the new Baking Centre was constructed with all LED lights and features a special water treatment system installed with the goal of reusing grey water. The program included a commitment to work with the Sonoma County Water Agency to monitor the progress on a quarterly basis. The building was also built to support a future solar array.
Seppi started the process several years ago by evaluating various options which culminated by partnering with Pure Power Solutions, a Sonoma County-based solar and energy storage design-build firm. The installation began in December 2021. Due to unexpected supply chain issues, the project experienced delays. At that time in the pandemic, many businesses chose to put off long-term plans. Costeaux did not become shortsighted with everyday pandemic challenges and pressed forward with the project remaining committed to its long-term vision of building a world-class bakery.
The 207.4kW-DC system covers the majority of the roof and will provide 70-80% of the energy needs for the operation.
Future sustainability plans for Costeaux include a goal of an electric fleet of delivery vehicles by 2025.
To learn more about the bakery, follow Costeaux French Bakery on Facebook or Instagram. For additional press resources view the press kit at costeaux.com/accolades-press.
