Campbell’s, the world’s leading maker and marketer of soup, has implemented a company-wide strategy to improve the environmental impact of its more than 30 manufacturing facilities, setting goals for energy and water conservation, waste management and recycling. Each plant has been charged with developing its own plan for reducing energy use through a combination of new low-energy technologies, alternative fuels and energy conservation.
In 2009, Campbell’s contracted with GreenTech Energy Services, Inc, to help its plants achieve some of those goals. At the company’s plant in Maxton, N.C., GreenTech replaced metal halide fixtures with T8 fluorescent fixtures that are sealed and gasketed to accommodate a washed-down environment. All T12 technology was eliminated. The plant is noticeably brighter and the new lights run cooler, which is important in a food environment. As a result, working conditions in the plant have been improved while energy consumption and costs have been lowered.
At Campbell’s facility in South Plainfield, NJ, GreenTech replaced 83 outdated T12 fixtures and 67 metal halide fixtures with T8’s, which provide energy efficiency, long lamp life, and high lumen maintenance. Sensors were installed that switch lights off in unoccupied areas of the warehouse. The result was a 40% reduction in energy use, a significant decrease in utility costs, and a payback of only one year. Aesthetically, the space appears brighter and more evenly lit, with less glare and flickering, enhancing the workplace environment and improving employee safety.
During Campbell’s Fiscal Year 2009, they invested over $3,000,000 for lighting projects in four major facilities resulting in annual utility savings in excess of $1,400,000. This coming year, the company plans to spend another $3,000,000 and will anticipate energy savings of over $1,000,000.
“These projects are a great example of the alignment of sustainability and bottom line business impact,” says David Stangis, Campbell’s Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility. “At Campbell’s, sustainability not only means improved environmental performance, it means increased efficiency and cost savings.”