Facility Energy Reduction
We are implementing innovative processes and technologies to reduce our energy use in facilities, with the most significant of these programs being our conversion to industrial and high-bay fluorescent lighting systems (see video above) in facilities throughout North America. At the end of 2009, we completed retrofitting all eligible facilities, which has accounted for our greatest reduction in electricity consumption so far. The lights can reduce energy consumption by approximately 50 percent by using technology that turns off or dims the lights to a quarter of their capacity when they are not needed.
In 2009, we installed Solyndra's cylindrical solar technology in our Macon, GA facility. These solar panels capture sunlight across a 360-degree photovaltaic surface, thereby converting more sunlight into electricity. Currently, we use Solyndra solar panels in Macon, GA and Coachella, CA (see more info about Coachella below).
We also unveiled our company’s first geothermal energy system in our Chaudfontaine facility in Belgium. This system captures and reuses thermal energy from Chaudfontaine’s natural mineral spring to heat the facility. The installation is expected to reduce energy consumption up to ten percent annually.
In addition to improving the energy efficiency of existing facilities, we are committed to using the highest environmental standards for new buildings. In 2010, our new Coachella, CA facility was the first CCE building to receive LEED certification. By integrating the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED requirements, the distribution center has less impact on the environment and is a healthier workplace for employees. We plan to integrate LEED requirements into our standards for design, construction and management of new buildings.