When Ralston Instruments initiated the construction of their new headquarters building in 2007, they considered the impact they would have on the environment throughout the project and beyond.
As a company that values the natural world around them, Ralston Instruments vowed to reduce their energy consumption and offset damage to the environment at each step. This dedication and "green" philosophy is the driving force behind how Ralston Instruments operates today.
Green Construction Methods - As construction began, Ralston Instruments carefully leveraged green construction methods that would reduce their energy consumption as much as possible. Proactively, they installed the following elements to reduce the amount of energy they would use:
- 192 solar panels (2704 square feet/33kV array) that provide 50-80% of Ralston Instruments' power needs
- 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
Green Business Practices - In addition to the green construction methods, Ralston Instruments also employs business practices that help preserve the environment. These practices include:
- Recycled Packaging
- 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
- Eliminate junk mail by removing mailbox and opting for a PO box
Green Culture - The final dimension of Ralston Instrument's 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.
An eye towards the future - While Ralston Instruments has made a tremendous effort to create a sustainable factory, their work is not over. In the following year they plan to pursue LEED certification (a national accreditation recognizing the implementation of environmentally friendly building practices). In addition, they plan to achieve zero landfill waste by 2010.