When SunPower by Positive Enery Solar visits potential clients, the company shares information not only about solar panels, but also about switching to LED lightbulbs and replacing old windows to reduce energy usage and lower bills.
“In our own office,” notes Regional Sales Manager Corey Asbill, “Positive Energy Solar has taken numerous steps to be Zero Waste as well as conserve energy. We are really proud to have been chosen as one of the 2017 Top Sustainable Businesses by the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce.”
In addition to solar panels, Energy Saver lights, electronics and appliances, the company has installed low flow fixtures to conserve water. Asbill adds, “The Positive Energy Solar building is almost completely run on solar power, which significantly reduces our carbon footprint – and every desk in the office has a recycling bin next to it.”
As a result, Positive Energy Solar’s blue recycling dumpster is serviced by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) every 3 days filled with cardboard, mixed paper, shredded paper, books and phone books, tin and aluminum cans, plastics. The solar energy company drops off glass bottles and jars for recycling and has found locations to recycle wood pallets, rechargeable batteries and ink/toner cartridges.
“Another big thing,” says Carrie Hamblen, Green Chamber CEO/President, “This company ‘closes the recycling loop’ by purchasing only office products with recycled content. That includes office furniture, copy paper, notebooks, file folders, envelopes, toilet paper and tissues – it’s quite an extensive list.”
Asbill says one of the Positive Energy Solar’s main goals is to follow the “triple bottom line” which is investing in people, protecting our air, land and water, and creating sustainable profits.
Asbill says SunPower by Positive Energy products are certified “cradle to cradle” - meaning they are sustainable and considerate of life and future generations. The goal when manufacturing these panels is to have as little environmental impact as possible. The company uses nontoxic metals, and one hundred percent renewal products, so that forty years later old solar panels won’t harm the environment.
In establishing the Sustainable Business award, the Las Cruces Green Chamber partnered with the SCSWA to raise community awareness of local businesses striving to be Zero Waste.
The application period for the 2018 Sustainable Business Awards starts in November; if you have a sustainable business and would like to apply, the self- nominating period will be open through December 31st. For more information contact the Green Chamber at (575) 323-1575 or carrie@locallascruces.com.
Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA), managing recyclables, solid waste, and fighting illegal dumping for residents and businesses in the City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. You can reach the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net