Sustainable Manufacturing Initiatives
Somat is continually seeking ways to improve its sustainability with initiatives that directly impact our business and our environment. 2010 was a productive year for our sustainability efforts.
Lighting Overhaul Lowers Energy Consumption 20%
Motion activated lighting in shop space
We conducted an overhaul of our building's aging and antiquated lighting system. Every light in our shop space and all switches in our offices were converted to motion activated equipment. This improvement eliminated energy waste in spaces that rarely or infrequently required lighting, but were sometimes lighted for long periods unnecessarily.
The installation took approximately one business week. All old fixtures, ballasts, bulbs, switches, and wire were recycled locally. Fit, form, and function of the lighting surpassed our expectations. The amount of energy saved was exceptional and the resulting cost-savings were also striking.
Our return on our investment and annual savings is based on:
- kwH charge: $0.103
- Annual Burn Hours: 3172
- Fixture Count: 163
Annual savings:
- Total watts saved: 4735
- Total kwH saved: 37,334
- Annual energy savings: $3,845
- Annual maintenance savings: $1,398
Total savings: $5,243.00
- Simple payback (yrs): 2.7
- ROI: 37%
- Federal/state rebate program: $3372.00
- Green House Gases Removed: 63,953lbs CO2 or the equivalent to 7 acres of trees planted or 5 cars taken off the road.
This system has lowered our energy consumption 20%, improved our quality of light, increased lamp life, utilized products that do not require special disposal, and reduced our energy costs by $3,845.
HVAC Replacement Controls Heating Costs
A new energy-saving HVAC system was installed in our pre-fab offices on the shop floor. Out-dated, excessive-energy consuming, all-in-one A/C and heat window-units had been in place. These units were controlled by thermostats and ran 24 hours a day. Our new system not only provides more efficient heating and cooling, it also filters air offering employees a cleaner, fresher breathing environment. Installation was completed in one business week.
The entire building has been retrofitted with programmable thermostats to efficiently control heating costs. By programming the curve on which the heat will ride, we reduce the CCFO's of natural gas being consumed, especially on weekends, when the old thermostats would have run the heat continuously and at inappropriately high temperatures. The new system has met all our expectations and requirements.
Expanded Recycling Plan Saves Tons Of Material
Expanded in-house recycling effort
Another goal was to expand our in-house recycling effort. This initiative reduced the amount of recyclable waste entering our trash stream, and cut the amount of waste being hauled away. In 2010 Somat's recycling initiative made huge strides in helping us become a better steward our environment and to reduce our environmental footprint.
Every office received cardboard recycle totes to recycle paper, plastic, and glass. On an average week we recycle 219lbs of paper, 35lbs of plastic and a minimal amount of glass.
Scrap metal recycling in shop area
Our production area, where significant metal waste is generated, was also targeted for improved recycling. Bins were placed throughout the shop to accept scrap wire, stainless steel scrap, brass fittings, aluminum cans and more. To date, we have collected over 3,900lbs of scrap, all of which is recycled locally.
Additional efforts include: