Mar 21 2014
Innovators never stop innovating, which is why Ricoh Electronics, Inc. three years ago blanketed the rooftop of its Southern California headquarters with electricity-generating solar panels.
The manufacturing subsidiary of Ricoh Company, Ltd. is now generating more than 10 percent of its electricity at its 1100 Valencia Avenue facility through the enhancement, exemplifying Ricoh's equally deep commitment to sustainability.
The 996 silicone crystal panels in Tustin, California have generated 1,105 MWh of electricity to date, reducing CO2 emissions equivalent to driving 639,376 miles. These emissions would require nearly 4,362 trees to absorb. Over the past year, the subsidiary has produced 110 percent of its planned amount.
"This project expresses Ricoh's enduring commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, natural resource depletion and ecosystem degradation," said Eiko Risch, Director of Environment, Health and Safety, Ricoh Electronics, Inc. "In fact, this work is as significant as our business operations. We carry it out by helping our customers work more sustainably, which often renders significant cost savings, and striving to make our technologies, supply chain, manufacturing processes, materials selection and facilities management as eco-friendly as they can be. Our Ricoh Electronics, Inc. solar power generation in California was our first such installation outside of Japan and is just one example of our worldwide mission."
Ricoh has set a goal of reducing its total lifecycle of CO2 emissions by 87.5 percent before the year 2050, with an interim goal of a 30 percent reduction by 2020 (baseline year: 2000). Once again, the company has been rated as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the world for the 10th consecutive year. Furthermore, Ricoh has Times Square's only solar-powered billboard. Using LED lighting, the Ricoh Eco Board has saved more than 83,000 Kwh of energy since 2009.
For details on Ricoh's full line of products, services and solutions, please visit www.ricoh-usa.com.