Business costs are being closely evaluated, and those that are not deemed necessary are dropped from any spending priority. Sole Technology didn't overlook this, and pushed forward environmental projects with the most aggressive return of investment. Its extensive solar panel system installed in 2004 has already saved the company $30,000 in 2008 and has a total projected cost savings of $300,000 over the next 10 years. Retrofitting lighting in three of its office buildings has had a big impact and will save the company more than $20,000 over the next two years. As a whole, Sole Technology's energy reduction has achieved a green house gas emission decrease of 180 tons, equating to 13% of its electricity consumption at its corporate offices.
To stay on target and meet its goal of decreasing energy usage by 10% in 2009, Sole Technology has implemented an Energy Task Force subcommittee, a sub-division of its Blue Bin Brigade environmental committee. The Energy Task Force will provide leadership, innovation and direction in the implementation and recommendation of energy efficiency and on-site production.
Sole Technology understands its energy strides could not have been met without the assistance of its partners such as Southern California Edison (SCE) and lighting contractor, Progressive Energy Management (PEM). SCE provided $40,000 in rebates through various energy saving projects and PEM installed the Phillips Alto II Lamps for several Sole Technology buildings, the 25 watt, Alto II carries the lowest amount of mercury per lumen in the market. To recognize these important partnerships, Sole Technology will be honoring each of them with the first ever Green Sole Awards in service excellence. In addition, Sole Technology will also honor Zero Motorcycles with a Green Sole Award for their product innovation with their electric motorbike that etnies moto x team riders are currently testing.
To celebrate the successes of its environmental initiatives over the past two years while offering cost savings during these tough economic times, Sole Technology is hosting an Earth Day celebration with an array of activities on April 22, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at its Lake Forest headquarters.
The day will kick off with the Green Sole Awards in its Sole Technology Institute, the world's first and only biomechanics' lab dedicated to studying the impacts of action sports. Following will be the opening of its Eco-Learning Center to aid employees in living more eco consciously in their personal and professional lives. Eco art work by Robert Parke Harrison will be on display along with information sessions of educational green tips such as how to green your office and a booth for employees to dispose of their e-waste. Lunch will be provided by Chipotle, a server of unprocessed, hormone free and organic food. The day will conclude with an open session of Sole Technology's environmental committee, and a presentation by Roian Atwood, manager of environmental affairs, addressing current global ecological issues in the world today.