Ralston Instruments Going Green
Green Headquarters
The Ralston Instruments headquarters is outfitted with state of the art solar panels to offset power demands. Currently 192 solar panels (2,704 square feet/33kV array) providing 50-80% of their power needs.
With a goal of achieving LEED Certification by 2010, the following environmentally friendly building design practices are also employed:
- Large, energy-efficient windows that help reduce the need for fluorescent lighting
- Automatic light switches that turn off when no longer needed
- Thick insulation to reduce energy bills
- A white roof to reflect light and heat
- Several powerful ceiling fans that reduce reliance on AC in summer and blow hot air down from ceiling in winter
- Most fluorescent lights in the plant are high voltage which helps to cut power usage
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Solar Panels — Provide steady power and offset building power demands
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Large, Efficient Windows — Reduce power consumption
Currently Generating 2.9kW Electricity from Solar
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Green Business Practices
In addition to the green construction methods, Ralston Instruments also employs business practices that help preserve the environment. These practices include:
- Recycling packing material when possible
- Using local suppliers to minimize the distance raw materials must travel
- Providing suppliers with dedicated shipping bins to eliminate the need for them to package inbound material to Ralston Instruments
- Removing mailbox and opting for a PO box to eliminate most junk mail
Recycled Packaging
Reducing carbon footprint
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A Green Culture
The final dimension of Ralston Instrument green approach is the eco-friendly culture they foster among their employees. As a team, Ralston Instruments practices green behavior in the workplace and has instituted the following company-wide programs.
- Recycling program for paper, plastic, aluminum, brass, stainless steel and packing material
- Composting of biodegradable matter
Recycling Goal
Zero landfill waste by 2010