“Sustainability is at the core of Eaton’s business and values,” says Monica Alston, corporate director – Environment, Health and Safety. “Participating in efforts to improve and sustain local environments is key to advancing the company’s green initiatives. We thank all the employees who volunteer their time and talents throughout the year to help create lasting impact in their local environments.”
Eaton employees are engaged in projects that conserve energy, reduce waste and create environmental awareness. Following are just a few examples:
• In Guarulhos, Brazil, Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations plant is utilizing the company’s intranet to discuss green initiatives. The facility is promoting an internal competition to get employees thinking about how it can reduce water and energy consumption. The plant will share employee ideas on Eaton’s intranet;
• The Valvetrain Test Lab in Marshall, Mich. is updating its motor-driven valvetrain test fixtures with new equipment that reduces the electrical power requirements by 75 percent. They also will reduce the department’s electricity bill substantially;
• In an effort to broaden knowledge of how solar panels and electrical systems are configured, the Electrical Sector Power System Experience Center in Warrendale, Pa., is teaming with Penn State University to provide work force training with a portable solar power training system that will cover a five-state area. They also are inviting fifth graders from a local school to visit the facility and learn more about solar systems firsthand;
• Employees in Penang, Malaysia, are reassessing their office equipment. They have been offering old computers to employees and recycling out-of-date technology;
• Eaton’s Searcy Hydraulics facility in Arkansas saw a more literal way to go “green.” The team worked with the Arkansas Department of Forestry of White County to get free trees for the entire facility. Eaton’s Greenwood Facility in South Carolina also took a “green” approach; the team created an onsite garden that will be maintained by employees. All produce harvested will be donated to local community groups; and
• Public transportation, walking and bike rides were the only acceptable forms of transportation on May 30 at the Electrical Sector facility in Le Lieu, Switzerland. In addition to several other green actions, employees were encouraged to find an alternative way to get to work on the “Day Without Cars.”
