Salem, N.J.—Mannington Mills is entering its second phase of the solar energy system expansion at its New Jersey manufacturing facilities. The expansion, scheduled for completion this calendar year, will increase to almost one megawatt and extend the panels over a total of seven rooftops, occupying three and one-half acres of roof space. More than two acres of solar photovoltaic panels are installed on site, avoiding more than 217 metric tones, or 478,000 lbs, of CO2 greenhouse gases per year since operations began in late 2008, considered the largest in the flooring industry.
“When any corporation seeks to reduce its energy usage and resulting emissions, the best approach grows out of common sense,” said Dave Kitts, vice president, environment. “It is important to curb unnecessary use of energy, but progressive companies will change products and processes to improve efficiency in their manufacturing, as well as seek out and implement large-scale renewable energy programs.”
Mannington’s smart energy conservation and renewable energy use has been recognized by U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, calling Mannington “among the vanguard of forward-thinking American companies as a leader in industrial energy efficiency.” Earlier this spring, the Department of Energy recognized the company as one of fewer than 50 Save Energy Now Leaders across the country.
Mannington has instituted rigorous programs to reduce energy used in manufacturing and replaced carbon-heavy practices with those considered more carbon neutral. For the last two years, this has included onsite generation of solar energy.
“Since energy is a critical resource for making flooring products, wise use of electricity and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are an important part of sustainability at Mannington,” said Kitts.
In addition to its solar power commitment, the company’s sustainability platform intends to set new standards for smart energy use, closing the recycling loop, reducing waste streams and incorporating waste materials from its own processes, as well as from other flooring manufacturers and industries into its products.