OWC headquarters goes 100% renewable energy
Other World Computing (OWC) has announced that it has become the first technology manufacturer/distributor in the US to become 100% on-site wind powered by switching its daily operations energy needs over to an on-site Vestas V39-500 kW wind turbine.
“I made the decision to 100% self-fund this project because of the conservational benefits, as well as the future cost of energy,” said Larry O’Connor, CEO, OWC. “With the kilowatt hour rate in the Chicago market up 24.3% since 1999, it only makes sense to use technology to lower our usage and costs related to traditional power sources.”
The company’s wind turbine is projected to generate an estimated 1,250,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year — more than double the current energy requirements of all OWC operations, including its internet operations datacenter which includes OWC.net and FasterMac.net ISP and webhosting services — and enough energy, according to the US Department of Energy, to power a typical suburban subdivision annually.
It’s expect that the $1.25 million cost of the turbine and related infrastructure will be paid back in 10 to 14 years.
This is the second leg of the company’s comprehensive approach to greening its operation, which to date also includes a resource conserving LEED Platinum designed facility and internet operations datacenter.
Editor’s note
A drop removed from the carbon sea, but an inspiring step nonetheless. A moment that should inspire the rest of us to insulate, replace that clunker, shut down our Macs when they’re not in use, and otherwise reduce, reuse and recycle…
What’s your take?
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Filed under: Apple Evangelizing, Corporate news, Hardware
