Nice-Pak Products Inc. and its sister company, Professional Disposables International (PDI) — the world’s leading producers of pre-moistened wipes — celebrated Earth Week with a ceremony marking completion of the solar array that was installed on the roof of its headquarters and manufacturing plant.
This 855-kW array, the largest of its kind in Rockland County and among the 10 largest rooftop solar systems in New York, received funding through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NY-Sun Initiative.
Nice-Pak and PDI installed the array as part of their shared commitment to invest in and support sustainable business practices that help meet the companies’ goals for energy use and emissions. The ballasted roof-mounted PV system is expected to generate approximately one million kilowatt-hours of energy per year and supply 15 percent of the building’s total electricity load.
Approximately 21 percent of all solar installed in Rockland County is now being generated at Nice-Pak and PDI’s shared facility. The use of this renewable power source will reduce the company’s environmental footprint by up to 1.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
“We touch consumers of our products more than 100 billion times a year worldwide. With this extensive reach comes great responsibility,” said Robert Julius, Chairman and CEO of Nice-Pak. “We are grateful for Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun Initiative, NYSERDA and other partners who are helping us meet the growing demand for wet wipe solutions through business practices that respect the environment.”
“At PDI, we embrace the opportunity to improve outcomes for patients in healthcare and protect our surrounding communities at the same time,” said Zachary Julius, CEO of PDI. “We believe in continually finding ways to work smarter, better and more efficiently to Be the Difference for those who rely on us.”
“Governor Cuomo’s NY Sun initiative is increasing the use of solar energy across the state by working with great partners like Nice-Pak and PDI to help them make investments in this terrific energy resource,” said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA. “NY-Sun is one of many energy initiatives that will scale up the state’s clean energy economy while bringing affordable, reliable and resilient power to New Yorkers.”
Nice-Pak and PDI will also receive an incentive for this project through the Federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
In addition to the solar array, Nice-Pak and PDI sustainability initiatives include zero landfill factories, high efficiency lighting, products made with plant-based fibers, minimization of packaging material, warehouse consolidation and consumer education about what wipe products can and cannot be flushed. Though these types of initiatives, the companies have met and exceeded their goals for improving energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, avoiding waste, reduced water use, and innovating to create more sustainable product components and formulations.
The solar array was designed and installed by Lighthouse Solar of New Paltz, N.Y. Lighthouse Solar was recently recognized by NYSERDA with its 2012/2013 Excellence in Quality Award.
— Solar Builder magazine
[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/855-kw-roof-mount-solar-system-complete-nice-pak-products/]
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