This new pilot programme is expected to help the company further reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) usage and raise awareness that renewable energy is not just for factories, but also for office buildings in urban settings, the company said.
Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, said: “The use of renewable energy is essential to making a difference in the world and conducting business in a responsible way. We hope our use of wind energy will inspire businesses in Racine and other cities to find new, sustainable solutions for reducing energy use.
“While we are not sure how much alternative energy these turbines will produce, we expect to have clear, consistent results within a year. This pilot program will help provide useful information on ways we can develop more sustainable solutions for our campus.”
The pilot programme, which begins in January 2010 and runs through January 2011, builds on the company’s efforts to reduce GHG and reduce carbon worldwide. The three wind turbines are located on the roof of one of the seven buildings on SC Johnson’s headquarter campus. Once fully operational, the turbines will be connected to the company’s electrical distribution system. The output they generate will power a small portion of the company’s campus.
The outcome of the pilot programme will be a clear picture of the number of computers, machines and other basic office resources that can be powered by renewable energy. Depending on the impact of the turbine’s energy output, it is possible that the company will extend the project to additional local SC Johnson facilities, the company said.
To support the local Wisconsin businesses, SC Johnson chose American Renewable Power of Wisconsin to install the swift turbines designed by Cascade Engineering. The turbines are expected to be fully installed and connected in late January and will be monitored closely throughout the year. SC Johnson engineers and technicians will be able to monitor the energy output and translate the information shortly after they are installed.
