|
 |
Tri Town's Installed Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System |
Tri Town Precision Plastics cares about the environment, and that commitment is reflected in a wide range of green initiatives. Tri Town has been progressively implementing energy and resource conservation measures, and the end result is a company at the forefront of environmental responsibility.
Rather than strip 10 acres of forest and build a new facility, Tri Town chose to renovate an existing historic building and restore it to its 1912 grandeur. Six years ago, the company began an energy conservation program by installing high-efficiency lighting throughout the 100,000-square-foot facility. Motion sensors ensure that lighting is only activated when needed. Tri Town also installed a high-efficiency roof system that adds insulation and reflects sunlight, thereby reducing the need for cooling in the summer. On the plant floor, new high-efficiency, all-electric presses have been installed, substantially reducing power consumption. Preexisting hydraulic presses were retrofitted with Powerboss motor controls to further increase efficiency.
Tri Town participates in ISO New England's Demand Response Program to help maintain the integrity of the regional power grid. Demand Response programs compensate large electricity users for reducing consumption during peak times that threaten to overwhelm the power grid. Tri Town is committed to significantly reduce usage when asked to do so.
|
Tri Town Precision Plastics |
Tri Town took its largest step toward energy efficiency by installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, comprised of 1,254 solar panels occupying 23,000 square feet of roof space. The solar system was designed by Gloria Spire Solar of Bedford, Mass., with local support from long-standing partner Essex Commercial Construction. Tri Town President Scott D. Goodspeed says that his company's investment in renewable energy stems from a commitment to sustainable business practices as well as from the need to be competitive in the global marketplace.
The solar power system will ultimately produce about 248,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) per year. In practical terms, the system avoids the generation of nearly 192 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year equivalent to the green house gases removed by 44 acres of forest. Over the system's lifetime, it will replace the equivalent of burning 660,000 gallons of gasoline.
Tri Town is also committed to a major recycling effort. All cardboard that passes through the facility is recycled, as well as plastics used in the manufacturing process.
As Tri Town looks to the future, further green initiatives are being considered for adoption:
- Electronic Paperwork Production paperwork is systematically being eliminated and replaced by tablet PCs and an electronic database. Two out of four production departments are already nearly paperless. All Quality Control documents are in the process of being scanned, with a goal to eliminate paperwork in that department. Manufacturing information is already being stored electronically, and production paperwork will soon follow.
- Lean Manufacturing Tri Town is working to eliminate waste in all forms through the adoption of Lean Manufacturing processes. Our people are a major source of ideas for continued improvements in our company and our environment.
- Smart HVAC Tri Town is testing a new "smart" HVAC equipment system, which includes software-based automatic controls, reversible exhaust/inlet fans, electrostatic air purifiers, and a host of internal and external sensors. The system improves shop air quality while reducing operating expenses by taking advantage of natural cooling and air recycling. The system may soon be adopted plant-wide.
As you can see, Tri Town is continually striving to preserve our environment. Through simple, responsible shifts in operation, we believe we can do our part to positively impact our society through environmental stewardship.
View current summary data on our solar photovoltaic (PV) system, including power output, sunlight, wind speen, offsets and temperature. Also available are historical data and comparisons such as total daily and yearly energy generated, annual CO2 reduction, trees planted, homes powered and more.
|
