Mack Trucks has started implementing energy-saving initiatives at its Macungie Cab & Vehicle assembly facility following recommendations of an Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps fellow.
The effort resulted in energy-saving opportunities at the facility as well as a customized energy efficiency investment plan, Mack said.
“Working with EDF Climate Corps fellows has helped to enhance the commitment the facility has to energy savings by helping to identify attractive energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and by calculating potential cost savings,” said Rick Robinson, director of health, safety and the environment.
While the majority of the changes will be implemented by the second quarter of 2014, several have already been instituted. These include the installation of occupancy sensors, solar LED parking lot lighting and solar tubular skylights. Energy savings projections are 291 MW annually, which equates to 215.3 metric tons of CO2 saved per year, Mack said.
EDF Climate Corps fellows are graduate students who are specially trained to work with companies, cities and universities. Kara Jones, master of Environmental Management and master of Business Administration degrees candidate at Duke University, was the fellow assigned to work at Mack Trucks in 2013.
“EDF Climate Corps is a cost- effective solution for organizations, like Mack Trucks, looking to develop customized energy investment plans,” said Victoria Mills, managing director, EDF Climate Corps. “We are pleased that Mack Trucks turns to EDF Climate Corps year after year to advance its energy management practices, cut carbon emissions and save money.”
In addition to conducting a needs assessment, Jones also worked with Mack to advise the company about governmental rebates and tax credits that are available to help fund the energy saving initiatives.
“Participating in EDF Climate Corps and each of our energy saving initiatives is something that we are passionate about,” said Roger Johnston, vice president and general manager of Macungie Cab & Vehicle assembly. “Our commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond the trucks we manufacture to the facility in which we manufacture them.”
