Energy Conservation
The increase of our manufacturing operations in our Southern California locations has resulted in an increase in electricity needs to meet those demands. Our energy conservation efforts include using variable frequency drives, efficient air compressors and chillers, LED lighting, and state-of-the art lighting controls. In addition, we were able to offset 28% of our annual electricity consumption by utilizing alternative energy sources: solar panels, a cogeneration system and a fuel cell system.
Utilizing Alternative Energy Sources
In 2019, 28% of the electricity powering our Southern California facilities came from alternative energy sources.
Reducing Our Reliance on Utility Grid Electricity
Our local utility grid energy consumption per square foot decreased by 24% from 2013 to 2019, despite 67% growth in our manufacturing and office space during the same time period.
Powering Our Facilities with Solar Energy
Applied Medical has installed a 2.94-megawatt (DC) solar system at its corporate headquarters, generating 4.37 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which provides about 10.7% of our company’s total electricity needs on campus per year.
Producing Alternative Energy with Cogen
Our cogeneration system, utilized in one of our manufacturing facilities, generates 5.93 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to meet an additional 14.6% of our total electricity needs.
Converting Natural Gas into Electricity
Applied Medical utilizes a fuel cell system that converts natural gas into electricity and generates 1.10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to help lower our dependency on local grid electricity usage by 2.7%. In the future, we will replace the fuel cells with an additional cogeneration system to increase our production of alternative energy.
