In an effort to reduce costs while contributing to a corporate commitment to sustainability, FUJIFILM Recording Media U.S.A., Inc. has constructed a solar energy installation on its Bedford, Massachusetts manufacturing facility, the third one in the United States.
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Working with local clean-energy integrators Columbia Construction Company and Absolute Green Energy Corporation (Worcester, Mass.), the solar array will produce about 644,000 kWh annually, which is equivalent to a reduction of 444 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Over 20 years, this would equal the carbon sequestered by 7,280 acres of U.S. forest in one year, or nearly 21 million miles driven by average passenger vehicles.
U.S. Congressman John F. Tierney commended Fujifilm’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability for themselves and the communities at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick also wrote in a Greeting Letter that “Clean energy technology is central to our economic development strategy in Massachusetts, and our success in solar power is a prime example of that. We are using all the levers at our disposal to make solar power an option for residents, businesses, and institutions. Together, we must continue to choose growth and invest in a sustainable tomorrow in order to grow our economy and preserve the Bay State we call home.”
With this installation, Fujifilm will realize a substantial cost savings on its current energy usage. In addition, the company will be able to take advantage of the utilities net energy metering program that provides ongoing benefits. Globally, Fujifilm has a Greenhouse gas target set at 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by Fiscal Year 2020, as compared to 2005.
“This represents a great opportunity for Fujifilm to make significant progress, and help contribute to our global corporation’s overall mission of energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction,” said Peter Faulhaber, president, FUJIFILM Recording Media U.S.A., Inc. “By collaborating locally at our Bedford facility with Absolute Green Energy and Columbia Construction, we will utilize an affordable, clean, and renewable energy solution and continue to make strides toward our energy goals.”