Energy Usage
In 2009, we began reducing our energy usage through our solar panels and energy reduction initiatives. We are sourcing cleaner energy in a large portion of our footwear manufacturing – reducing our carbon footprint by 14%! With the ever-changing manufacturing landscape, Sole Technology remains committed to continue finding reduction solutions.
Initiatives that we’ve instituted as a result of our commitment to energy reduction:
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Solar Panels
At our Research and Design Building, Senizergues installed an RWE Schott Free Standing Solar System on the building's rooftop in 2004. This system consists of 616 ASE-300 watt panels, providing over 250,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This equates to an annual savings of nearly $30,000 in energy costs, equivalent to providing electricity to 60 homes and saving 42 acres of forest each year. Most importantly, it eliminates 145 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions each year.
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Factory Environmental Standard
Sole Technology works closely with its factories. In early 2010, it implemented a “Factory Environmental Standard” agreement for its manufacturing partners in Asia, requesting that they collectively agree upon a set of environmentally-driven factory conditions to reach our broader environmental goals. The agreement addresses the following:
- The management and ongoing evaluation of each factory’s Restricted Substances List, promoting consistent examination of all chemicals and substances used in Sole Technology manufacturing to ensure higher safety standards.
- An annual Factory Energy Survey, wherein the operation’s energy use is monitored and assessed to maximize production while minimizing environmental impact.
- An active commitment to lessening the impact of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the workplace and in all Sole Technology products.
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Retrofitting Lighting
In three of our office buildings, retrofitting our lighting has had a big impact and will save more than $20,000 over the next two years. Southern California Edison (SCE) provided $40,000 in rebates through various energy saving projects and Progressive Energy Management (PEM) installed the Phillips Alto II Lamps for several Sole Technology buildings, the 25 watt Alto II carries the lowest amount of mercury per lumen and has revolutionized the energy reduction market.
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Green House Gas Reductions
Sole Technology’s energy reduction has achieved a green house gas emission decrease of 180 tons, equating to 13% of its electricity consumption at its corporate offices, $100,000 in cost savings and 400,000 kilowatt-hours (KWH) saved, equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 22 homes.