Key areas of focus
Electricity usage
Electricity usage is one of the main focuses of Vigon’s recent
sustainability push. As an energy source with one of the smallest
carbon footprints, we have developed plans to gravitate our existing equipment along with a commitment to future investments to be powered by electricity. In anticipation of this, Vigon made a significant investment to upgrade the capacity and distribution of our electric across our campus.
We are also aggressively upgrading existing equipment to the most energy
efficient, and continually implementing new green-friendly
technology. Vigon is also proud to be 100% renewable, offset with
renewable energy certificates
- All lights in the newly renovated Administration building have been
converted to energy saving LED. The majority of Vigon facility
lighting is also now LED. - Cooling towers used in production are being converted from air
cooler to glycol cooling towers; which will be more energy efficient, stable
and allow for higher capacity. - All forklifts and warehouse vehicles are electric, and we have two EV chargers available for free use by employees and visitors
Water usage
Water is a primary resource used in many facets of Vigon’s
manufacturing processes. It is also a scarce resource often
overshadowed by energy concerns.
The importance of using water efficiently has become a growing priority,
as it can reduce Vigon’s environmental footprint. The reduction of water usage not only improves the
efficiency of the manufacturing processes where it is used, but also
reduces yielded waste water.
- In our restrooms, we have replaced conventional fixtures with
waterless versions, saving in excess of 80,000 gallons of water annually.
Natural Gas usage
After an analysis of Vigon’s use of oil for heat and manufacturing process steam creation, in conjunction with the State of Pennsylvania, the company made an investment in 2015 to switch all of its boilers and equipment to exclusively use natural gas, resulting in both cost and usage efficiencies. While still debated by some, natural gas is a cleaner burning and currently more affordable resource compared to oil, releasing fewer CO2 emissions according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Sourced domestically through American shale, there are quite a few benefits that natural gas has provided to Vigon. As opposed to the regular delivery of oil via trucks, natural gas is supplied through a pipeline, lowering the carbon footprint. The risk of leaking oil tanks or other pieces of the oil infrastructure is also mitigated. To reduce our usage of natural gas, we are always looking for ways to use the resource more efficiently, as well as alternative energy sources to supplement the natural gas usage.
- A new, more efficient natural gas emergency backup generator
will replace our current propane generator, and will help to
power the Administration building as well as Manufacturing. - The Manufacturing HVAC is undergoing an update which includes
a new burner for efficient heating and cooling, as well as more
frequent air change.
Waste Production
Waste production is a concern for all companies who prioritize their impact on the environment, and as a manufacturing company, it is a top focus. On top of doing the expected duties of regular waste sorting and recycling, Vigon works to go above and beyond.
We will be implementing a new waste water management system for our process waste water which will incinerate the water, creating steam and reducing any solids present into a low volume of ash. This would turn our bi-weekly tanker haul of waste water into steam and a small quantity of non-hazardous ash per year!
- In our restrooms, high efficiency Dyson Air-Blade hand dryers have replaced paper towel dispensers, eliminating paper waste and reducing related CO2 emissions by 76%.