With the earth existing for over four and a half billion years, natural fuel resources are reaching a critical rate of depletion. It is because of this disconcerting thought that different movements have been established and organized. Today, a number of solutions have been put to use, with solar panels being one of the most popular examples.
In 2016, Disney has constructed a 22-acre 5-megawatt solar facility with the goal of cutting back on their emissions. This year, the company has set a new goal which is to further cut back on their emissions. They are looking to reduce their greenhouse emissions by up to half of their 2012 record. With their goal for emissions to be recorded in 2020, they will need a solution with a substantial output. To answer this puzzle, Disney has worked with Reedy Creek Improvement District and Origis Energy USA in building a massive 50-megawatt solar facility which is 270 acres in size.
As it is now online and operating, Walt Disney World Resort is already benefitting from the renewable clean energy that the newly opened solar facility is providing. As months will pass, the solar facility is expected to cater to two of Disney's theme parks in Central Florida.
The first of half a million solar panels have been installed in 2018. Since then, 499,999 more panels have been put up to complete the project. With this, Disney has taken the lead in reducing greenhouse emissions starting with its facilities. Their newly-built solar facility is said to lower emissions by over 57,000 tons annually. This is comparable to supplying power to around 10,000 homes for a year or even making up of emissions made by 9,300 cars! This is a big step up compared to their 2016 construction which can power around 1,000 homes.
Besides the 2016 Mickey Mouse-shaped solar farm, and the new massive solar facility, Disney has partaken in other projects that contribute to their green goal. One in particular is the solar-powered parade lights in Tokyo Disneyland where renewable clean energy farmed from rooftops is used. Another is the cooling and heating plant that Disney's Shanghai Resort utilizes to cut down emissions by 60%. In turn, Disneyland Paris is using geothermal energy to power up two of its theme parks and a hotel.
In an interview, Disney's Vice President Mark Penning has emphasized how the company is not only limited to delivering quality entertainment and that they are also responsible citizens who care about their guests and the environment.
