The solar installation will generate between 15to 20% of BT’s present energy needs for the El Segundo offices and data center. BT expects to produce around 1 million kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable electricity and reduces carbon emissions by 700,000 pounds (over 316 metric tons) per annum. Twh system will decrease the company’s overall power costs for the site in future years, helping the company fulfill its global goals for sustainability.
The tracking system allows the solar panels that are mounted on an elevated structure in the parking lot, to move during the day to track the sun, thereby maximizing energy generation during peak hours when rates are high. Solar Power Partners that now owns and operates the system, sells the solar-generated electricity to BT under a power purchase agreement. Suntech Energy Solutions has designed and installed the system, working as a sub-contractor to Solar Power Partners. Broadreach Capital Partners, the site’s owner, has also been a main participant in BT’s efforts to bring renewable energy to its North American headquarters location.
In addition to incorporating use of solar energy to power its corporate facilities, BT has also recently announced a program to make it easier for interested employees to investigate and possibly pursue solar energy for their own homes.
BT has arrangements in place with two vendors to help employees who are interested in installing solar systems in their homes. Both vendors will provide surveys to help employees identify their needs, offer price quotes and a corporate discount to employees and provide a range of financing options and design and installation services. BT assists employees who are interested in investigating a solar installation to make informed decisions by offering online resources and organizing monthly teleconference sessions where employees exchange experiences with other participants in the program, allowing them to learn from each other’s knowledge.
In response to the challenges of climate change, BT has decreased its carbon emissions by 60% since 1996 and has aggressive targets to lower them by 80% globally by 2020 through a combination of energy reduction and renewable energy initiatives.
‘Going solar’ offers us significant business advantages, including cost savings and a positive impact on our sustainability goals, all of which affect BT’s bottom line, said Michael Boustridge, chief executive officer, BT Americas & Asia/Pacific. We have a strong commitment to using green technology and finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint and, working with our partners Solar Power Partners and Suntech Energy Solutions, we are excited to model this for other organizations.
With all the parties involved, this project required a high degree of project management, said Jon Reiter, senior director, major transactions, BT Americas, but we believe the outcome has been very successful. It’s been a true team effort.
BT wants to play a leading role in reducing carbon emissions generated by both businesses and individuals, said Kevin Moss, head of corporate social responsibility, BT Americas. In addition to reducing our own emissions and influencing suppliers and customers to do the same, we are encouraging our employees to reduce their personal carbon footprints and help them influence others in their local communities.
