In a prime example of how precast manufactures are becoming increasingly focused on sustainability and green practices, NPCA member Reading Precast took one step beyond producing materials that can contribute to achieving LEED points on the job site.
Convinced that going green would provide long-term savings to his business, company president Michael Achenbach approved the $625,000 expenditure to install 565 solar panels on the roof of his plant. Once installed, the energy they produce will help operate the heavy cranes, mixers and tools used on a daily basis.
The idea, which started when his wife researched it as a green initiative, first needed to make financial sense to Achenbach. However, after reviewing the plant’s monthly electricity costs, and the ability of the panels to provide 92 percent of the company’s energy, as well as the incentives and rebates by the state and federal government, the project made fiscal sense. The plant will also be able to sell renewable energy credits.
All this considered, the project will pay for itself in just five years. If your plant is involved in sustainable practices, we’d like to hear about it. Contact Kyle Kerstiens.
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