Metalumen and the Environment

Metalumen advocates sustainability at the manufacturing level, as well as, promoting sustainability at the consumer level. Our "Meta-G" line of fixtures is engineered with the latest, highly efficient illumination technology. These products are made from sustainable and resource efficient materials. The fixtures are a minimum of 85% efficient, contain at least 65% postindustrial recycled material and are packaged with 100% recyclable material. The end products are up to 97% system recyclable, making our lights even more efficient and environmentally friendly

Metalumen has put substantial effort into the creation of its sustainable processes. For the past year, one area of focus has been the manufacturing process. A dedicated Green Team meets regularly to brainstorm and discuss new sustainability initiatives. Metalumen has included coop students from the University of Guelph, Environment Sciences and Engineering Programs, to the team giving them a chance to bring new ideas and initiatives.

Thus far, we have managed to reduce our total water usage by 80% . In the past, our annual use of water would be equivalent to filling more than two Olympic sized swimming pools. Due to the water conservation process put in place, our yearly usage will now be reduced to less than half the water contained in an Olympic sized swimming pool. The average Canadian uses approximately two back yard swimming pools of water annually.

We have implemented an extensive recycling program diverting scrap metal, wood, cardboard, paper and lamps, thereby reducing our waste to landfill by 50%. By the end of 2012, we will have completed the process of reducing our gas by 30% and electrical usage by 15%. Metalumen's five year plan is to eliminate the use of paper altogether. By the third month in 2012, Metalumen has a goal to reduce paper consumption by at least 5%.

With plans such as leasing our rooftop to Guelph Hydro for the installation of solar panels, we are well on our way to making our processes more environmentally and economically sustainable.

All in all, we have learned that going Green is a complex process. It takes dedication and research to realize how much unnecessary waste can be avoided by changing perceptions and processes. The process of increasing sustainability may appear easy to begin with but in reality requires a complicated analysis of both the human and mechanical processes. While working towards sustainability does require a significant amount of effort, it pays dividends in the end. Economically, we have also increased job opportunities, lowered utility costs, decreased our waste costs, and increased return on commodities. Ultimately, we have developed successful ways to go green and lessen our carbon footprint on the planet.

Article from: http://www.metalumen.com/About/Sustainability