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 Clean Air-Cool Planet and Oakhurst Dairy have succeeded in taking yet another significant step to reduce the company’s carbon emissions. On April 10, 2008, the company announced that it would be installing one of the largest solar power energy systems in New England— 2,700 square feet of panels—at its headquarters in Portland, Maine, to heat water for the milk facility.
April 10, 2008--Mayor of Portland Maine, Ed Suslovic (left), and Oakhurst Dairy President Stan Bennett announce that New England's largest solar project will be installed at the company's headquarters in Portland.
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This installation marks a growing trend in companies that are now seeking alternative energy options to reduce costs, and at the same time reduce their carbon footprint, as noted by CA-CP Chief Operating Officer, Bob Sheppard. “Our hope is that more companies will follow Oakhurst’s lead by making significant changes in their operations that reduce the impacts of global warming on our environment, health, economy, and communities.”
Oakhurst hopes to bring this program far beyond their own headquarters and into 16 of their local farms through low cost energy loans and state rebates. This positive change is a continuation of the commitment Oakhurst has made to make their company more climate conscious. Past initiatives include choosing to run 90% of its dairy trucks on Biodiesel in November of 2007, employing a software system to recruit their delivery system and save fuel earlier that year, and in 2004 bringing Hybrid Ford Escapes to their fleet.
The partnership between CA-CP and Oakhurst began in 2001, and over the last 7 years, has enabled great achievements in sustainability solutions for the company and the region. Commented Sheppard, “We commend Oakhurst on rising to the challenge and opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of each gallon of milk, from the farm to the point of purchase as the milk is delivered to the store."
Clean Air-Cool Planet has been engaged with Oakhurst Dairy since 2001 on energy efficiency and conservation projects, exploring opportunities for clean energy, and reducing emissions from their vehicles as well.
On November 28th, the company announced it is converting to B20 more than 90% of its fleet - 130 delivery trucks. (See news and editorial coverage from the Portland Press Herald.)
As Bob Sheppard, CA-CP Deputy Director, notes, “Oakhurst’s decision to convert its fleet is a significant event, demonstrating that businesses understand there are steps they can adopt immediately, right now, today to reduce their emissions and deal with climate change."
Continues Sheppard, "The commitment by Oakhurst Dairy sends a clear message to the market that corporations understand the fleet benefits of biodiesel, that they will buy it if it’s available, and the time is here to invest in local sources of biofuels so that businesses in the region can help reduce our reliance on imported oil.”
This is only the latest in a string of actions undertaken by Oakhurst, which began in 2004 with a decision to bring gasoline/ electric hybrid Ford Escapes to the fleet, and a move earlier this year to employ a soft-ware program that significant cut their fuel consumption by rerouting delivery vehicles. |
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Above (left to right): Oakhurst CEO Stan Bennett;
Maine Clean Cities Coalition coordinator Steve Linnell; Beth Nagusky, director of Energy Independence in the office of Maine Governor John Baldacci; and CA-CP Communications Manager Bill Burtis.
Photos - Swardlick Marketing Group
Below: Oakhurst trucks run on biodiesel - and advertise it! |
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| We are fortunate to be working with CEO Stan Bennett and his staff at Oakhurst, as they once again take a leadership position on a key environmental issue. |
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CA-CP has compiled a series of case studies on what some of the best
businesses are doing to reduce emissions in the Northeast.
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