In an effort to reduce costs while contributing to a corporate commitment to sustainability, FUJIFILM Recording Media U.S.A., Inc. has constructed a solar energy installation through efforts by local clean-energy integrators Columbia Construction Company (North Reading, Mass.) and Absolute Green Energy Corporation (Worcester, Mass.) on its Bedford, Mass., manufacturing facility. It is Fujifilm’s third solar energy installation in the United States. With 1,870 modules, the solar array will produce about 644,000 kWh annually, which is equivalent to a reduction of 444 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Over 20 years, this would equal the carbon sequestered by 7,280 acres of U.S. forest in one year, or nearly 21 million miles driven by average passenger vehicles.
The three companies will celebrate the project completion with a ribbon cutting event taking place today at Fujifilm’s facility in Bedford, featuring special guests: U.S. Congressman John F. Tierney (D) 6th District Massachusetts; Consulate General of Japan in Boston, Akira Muto; Bedford Town Manager, Richard Reed and Bedford Selectman, Caroline Fedele; and representatives from the Town of Burlington.
“I’m pleased to join Fujifilm today at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a solar energy installation, and I commend them for their commitment to clean energy and sustainability for themselves and our communities,” said Congressman John Tierney.
The event will also feature comments from Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who wrote in a Greeting Letter, “Clean energy technology is central to our economic development strategy in Massachusetts, and our success in solar power is a prime example of that. We are using all the levers at our disposal to make solar power an option for residents, businesses, and institutions. Together, we must continue to choose growth and invest in a sustainable tomorrow in order to grow our economy and preserve the Bay State we call home.”
With this installation, Fujifilm will realize a substantial cost savings on its current energy usage. In addition, the company will be able to take advantage of the utilities net energy metering program that provides ongoing benefits. Globally, Fujifilm has a Greenhouse gas target set at 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by Fiscal Year 2020, as compared to 2005.
“This represents a great opportunity for Fujifilm to make significant progress, and help contribute to our global corporation’s overall mission of energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction,” said Peter Faulhaber, president, FUJIFILM Recording Media U.S.A., Inc. “By collaborating locally at our Bedford facility with Absolute Green Energy and Columbia Construction, we will utilize an affordable, clean, and renewable energy solution and continue to make strides toward our energy goals.”
“This project speaks for itself. The new Fujifilm rooftop solar array will generate more than 15 million kilowatt hours of electricity over its lifetime while producing zero carbon emissions,” said Chris McCarthy, vice president, manager, Columbia Energy, Columbia Construction Company. “It will also reduce the global demand for fossil fuels. We are proud of the quality of the new Fujifilm solar electric system, and the contribution it will make to renewable energy goals in Massachusetts. We are also delighted to be part of the Fujifilm Project team.”
“We very much appreciate Fujifilm’s commitment to sustainable business practices and we are delighted to be a part of the local team helping Fujifilm to achieve their energy conservation and green gas reduction goals,” said Mike Ortolano, president, Absolute Green Energy Corporation.
— Solar Builder magazine
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