A simple campaign developed and implemented by employees has resulted in dramatic energy savings at SC Johnson’s largest manufacturing plant in Wisconsin.
A lighting retrofit and employee awareness campaign combined to achieve 35% energy savings across 700 light fixtures.
The International Energy Agency estimates that similar energy efficiency initiatives in buildings, industrial processes and transportation could reduce the world’s energy needs by a third in 2050. There are over 32,000 manufacturing facilities in the U.S. alone.
SC Johnson makes well known brands like Windex, Ziploc and Glade in a 2.2 million square foot plant, the size of 36 football fields.
An employee-led "Flip the Switch" campaign focused on reducing energy by simple actions like turning off lights, fans and other energy-consuming equipment when not in use. Motion sensors in limited-use meeting rooms and other areas also helped.
"The campaign seeks to empower employees to champion energy conservation and education, advocate for responsible practices and help the company reduce its overall environmental footprint," says SC Johnson.
"We’re particularly proud of this program as it was actually initiated by a manufacturing team member," says Kelly Semrau, Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability. "And it’s a great example of environmental sustainability in action."
SC Johnson powers the plant with co-generated electricity from twin turbines that run on waste methane from a public landfill and natural gas.
The company has reduced greenhouse gas emissions 27.4% on an absolute basis from 2005 levels, exceeding the 8% reduction target it set through the EPA’s Climate Leaders program.
They were honored with the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership for greening its products, the only Presidential Award that recognizes companies for outstanding achievements in employee and community relations.
Loading...