Executives from Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) were joined on March 19 by Ontario, Calif., Mayor Paul S. Leon along with representatives from HelioPower and Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group to unveil an 80-kilowatt (kW) urban solar power array at the Porsche Logistics LLC facility in Ontario, the first solar power system deployed at any of its U.S. locations.
The solar power system was designed and installed by HelioPower at 5100 E. Ontario Mills Parkway, using 372 solar modules from Sharp and will produce 135,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity per year. This commercial-scale solar power system will avoid the emission of more than 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. It represents one of the more significant solar installs in the Ontario metro area.
"Environmental protection has long been an objective at Porsche -- one that we take very seriously," said Porsche Cars North America vice president of Aftersales Tim Quinn. "Employing solar power at our Ontario facility is in keeping with our goal of being good environmental stewards in communities where we have a presence. We're also very pleased to be supportive of the City of Ontario and the Inland Empire's Green Valley Initiative, which is focused on establishing this region as a hub for clean technologies."
Certificate of Recognition
PCNA's new solar panel installation will receive the Inland Empire's Green Valley Initiative (GVI) award, the first ever "Certificate of Recognition" for environmentally sound projects in the region. GVI is a cooperative effort between stakeholders throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties to encourage the growth of local green technology businesses, attract renewable energy businesses, encourage local entrepreneurial efforts, and encourage investment.
Steve LoRusso, vice president of sales, HelioPower noted, "Sound environmental stewardship is paramount to Porsche. We're delighted to have helped Porsche deploy this significant solar power system; this project will serve as an example to companies across the state – and the nation, that being clean and green makes good business sense."
"Porsche is to be lauded for implementing sustainability initiatives at its facilities. Sharp is very pleased to be working with Porsche as they harness the sun, and leverage clean, reliable, solar energy to help power their operations," added Ron Kenedi, vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group.
A Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
On a broader scale, protecting the environment is one of the key corporate objectives at PCNA's parent company in Germany, Porsche AG, where specific environmental policy and environmental management systems have been in place for many years. For example, a successful waste-management system was implemented nearly two decades ago with 99 percent of all waste being recycled at the company's production facilities. Just as importantly, Porsche cars are built from the start to conserve resources for later generations, with 85 percent of their content being completely recyclable. From development to after-sale service, it is a key objective of Porsche AG to minimize resource consumption and keep environmental impact as low as possible.
In keeping with this policy, over the past 15 years, Porsche has made successful changes and undertook a concerted effort to reduce fuel consumption in its vehicles – a commitment that has yielded 1.7 percent less C02 emissions annually. By 2012, average fuel consumption – and thereby the CO2 emissions of all Porsche models – will be reduced by up to 20 percent. Additionally, all Porsche models since the 2007 model year have been certified to LEVII Low Emissions Vehicles or better, with the Boxster and Cayenne S models achieving Ultra Low Emissions certification status.
On the important alternative power front, Porsche has announced plans to offer a Cayenne with a hybrid engine that will reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 percent when compared to a gas powered version. This same highly advanced hybrid powerplant will also become available in Porsche's upcoming Panamera model – a sporty Gran Turismo with four doors and four passenger seats.
The environmentally conscious initiatives extend from the company's manufacturing facilities to PCNA's Atlanta-based headquarters and other U.S. facilities. PCNA implemented the "Green Choice" program giving employees the motivation and proper tools to make smart and simple environmentally-friendly choices. Among the continuous efforts, a company-wide recycling program was put into operation in 2007 to include paper, magazines, books, cans, cardboard and glass along with the discontinued use of any Styrofoam products. Energy efficiency is another key component of the program with the installation of energy efficient light bulbs and low flow aerators in all restroom faucets.
This summer PCNA will open a new Northeast Regional Support Center in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley that will receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification is an environmental award that recognizes the construction and performance of buildings that meet strict environmentally sensitive criteria which includes site sustainability and efficient use of resources. Other factors such as the building's indoor atmospheric quality and innovative environmental design also are considered.
About Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Cars North America Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 201 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brands in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles and soon the Panamera gran turismo for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.