As part of Siemon's ongoing environmental stewardship initiative, the company has launched an aggressive solar energy program at its Watertown, CT Corporate Headquarters and North American Manufacturing Campus.

Construction is well underway on a 217KW, 15,600 square-foot solar power system at Siemon's Dynamic Manufacturing Facility. When completed in Q4 2008, this clean and renewable energy system will reduce this power hungry operation's dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Supported in part by a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, Siemon's solar installation will provide a yearly greenhouse gas reduction of 159 metric tons - equivalent to the yearly output of 30 automobiles, or 18,000 gallons of gasoline. The energy generated would be sufficient to power up to 21 homes.

By implementing these efforts in phases, Siemon was able to make huge environmental strides without disrupting core business activities and in fact, most green programs offered opportunities to reduce operational costs.

This dual benefit is central to Siemon's environmental stewardship initiative. The company wants this installation to be an example for other manufacturers. The company wishes to prove that renewable energy is not just smart environmental policy, but smart business.

Shalini Ale/ITvoir network