Boeing’s South Carolina 787 fabrication and assembly facility ranks 14th on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA’s) Fortune 500 list of the largest renewable power purchasers in its Green Power Partnership, according to the agency’s most recent ranking released Oct. 24. The North Charleston, S.C., site ranks 33rd overall among green energy consumers, including local, state and federal governments, and a growing number of colleges and universities.Boeing South Carolina purchases nearly 130 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable power annually from South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G), enough to meet 100 percent of the site’s energy needs. A percentage of that power will be generated onsite by a thin-film solar laminate installation on the roof of the Boeing South Carolina 787 Final Assembly building.
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“This shows our commitment to drive environmental thinking into the way we operate our company,” said Mary Armstrong, Boeing vice president of Environment, Health and Safety. “Boeing South Carolina’s commitment to renewable energy, coupled with its zero waste to landfill program and LEED certification targets for all new construction, demonstrates that what’s good for the environment is also good for business.”The site’s solar generation system, owned and maintained by SCE&G, is the largest in the southeastern U.S. by production capacity and by itself could power approximately 250 residential homes.
“EPA’s Green Power Partners consistently raise the bar for using clean, renewable electricity,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, Gina McCarthy. “Boeing South Carolina’s commitment to using green power serves as an example of leadership for others to follow.”
