The company Parque Arauco launched an ambitious photovoltaic self-generation system on the roof of its shopping center Parque Alegra, in Barranquilla. It is the largest solar project installed in a mall in South America, consolidating a key step in the sustainability strategy and emission reduction that the company promotes in the region.
A large-scale system for cleaner consumption
The system is composed of 2,700 solar panels distributed over an area of 12,700 m², equivalent to almost two professional football fields.
Its generation capacity averages 197,000 kWh monthly, which is equivalent to the consumption of 570 households in the Colombian Atlantic Coast, considering an average of 300 kWh monthly per household according to UPME.
This level of production allows covering 26% of the energy consumption of the common areas of the shopping center, significantly reducing dependence on the electrical grid and associated emissions.
A milestone in the decarbonization strategy
Cristián Calcutta, general manager of Parque Arauco Division Colombia, explained:
“This project represents a milestone in our decarbonization strategy. We chose Parque Alegra because it is an asset located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where high temperatures generate high energy consumption, especially in air conditioning. Reducing consumption and moving towards cleaner sources was a priority.”
The initiative is part of Parque Arauco’s decarbonization plan, which was the first company in the sector in South America to align its goals with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Its commitments include:
- Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 38% by 2029.
- Decreasing Scope 3 emissions intensity by 48%.
Parque Fabricato also adds solar energy
Simultaneously, the company implemented a photovoltaic system in the shopping center Parque Fabricato, in Bello (Antioquia).
- 444 solar panels installed.
- Total area: 1,400 m².
- Monthly generation: 35,000 kWh.
This contribution reinforces the mall’s energy supply and strengthens the transition towards a low-emission model.
A regional solar self-generation network
With these new installations, Parque Arauco expands its network of solar projects in Colombia, which already includes Parque Arboleda (the largest so far), Parque Caracolí and Outlet Arauco Sopó.
At the regional level, it adds to MegaPlaza Ica in Peru, consolidating a South American network of solar plants that positions the company as a sustainability leader.
Beyond energy: comprehensive sustainability
The use of renewable energy is one of the pillars of Parque Arauco’s decarbonization strategy, which also includes:
- Use of certified clean energy (IREC): 86% of the operation supplied with renewable sources at the end of the last year.
- Water reuse and efficient resource management.
- Waste recovery and sustainable construction.
- Electric mobility: more than 30,500 hours of charging recorded in its network of points for electric vehicles.
Ximena Bedoya, Corporate Sustainability Manager, emphasized:
“Each new self-generation project brings us closer to achieving our decarbonization goals and reinforces the integration of sustainability as a structural part of our business model.”
A resilient and competitive business model
The incorporation of new solar plants in Colombia reinforces Parque Arauco’s vision of building a more efficient, resilient, and competitive operation, where technology and sustainability are fundamental pillars.
The Parque Alegra project is not only a benchmark in South America but also an example of how renewable self-generation can be integrated into the daily life of shopping centers, contributing to a fair and circular energy transition.
