Ricoh unveils solar array to power New Jersey facility, celebrates environmental sustainability milestones
Ricoh USA, Inc. recently announced the latest in a series of sustainability milestones, including a new solar array that will power its West Caldwell, N.J., office facility. The array, which is set to provide for more than half of the facility’s electrical needs, literally represents the power of Ricoh’s ongoing sustainability efforts. This is the latest example of Ricoh’s environmental consciousness and measurable progress in sustainability efforts. The solar array project began in March 2014, through collaborative work with EnterSolar, a leading New York City-based provider of solar solutions to commercial enterprises. Now live, the array is expected to generate more than 790,000 Kwh per year, providing more than 50 percent of the facility’s electrical needs. That translates to approximately 1.3 million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle, 555 fewer metric tons of CO2 produced per year and $1.9 million in energy savings over the next 10 years. The array itself is roughly 1.3 times the size of a football field.
“Concern for the environment is in Ricoh’s DNA. It’s core to our corporate identity,” said Donna Venable, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Deputy General Manager, Shared Services, Ricoh Americas. “Since Ricoh established its Environmental Promotion Group more than 40 years ago, we have worked hard to foster sustainability from the top down and the bottom up. It’s what drove us to undertake this solar array project, it’s what drives our emissions reductions as a global company, and it’s what drives our individual employees to do their part in fostering sustainability through corporate and external programs.”
In fact, the West Caldwell facility itself has a strong sustainability history. The building has achieved ENERGY STAR® certification for three years in a row, and its on-site Biodiversity-Pollinator Garden achieved Conservation Certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council.
In addition to these achievements, Ricoh has recently marked several major environmental sustainability milestones, including:
Being named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for the second year in a row.
Committing to using a minimum of 30% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050, as announced by Ricoh Company Ltd, on April 21, 2017.
Becoming the first Japanese company to join the RE100, a collaborative, global initiative of influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity, working to massively increase demand for – and delivery of – renewable energy.
Since 2014:
Reducing energy consumption by 6.3 percent.
Slashing CO2 emissions by 7 percent.
Increasing CO2 reduction contribution by 14.7 percent.
Earning the Coalition for Government Procurement’s Green Excellence in Partnership award.
Featured in the FTSE4Good Index for 13 years running.
Ricoh’s Long History of Commitment to Achieving Enhanced Sustainability
Ricoh has been a dedicated advocate in support of a more sustainable society for decades, having formalized this position with the establishment of its Environmental Promotion Group in 1976.
Ricoh has strived to achieve balance between Planet (the environment), People (society) and Profit (economic activities). To achieve this, the Ricoh Group plans and pursues actions to reduce the environmental impact on the planet caused by resource extraction, energy use and the release of chemicals. In addition to protecting these valuable natural resources, Ricoh works to foster and preserve biodiversity.
To learn more about the West Caldwell solar array, watch this video. For more information about Ricoh’s dedication to enhancing sustainability, please visit this website.
