Medline has completed its rooftop solar installation at its distribution center in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. The company celebrated on Tuesday, with Medline employees, Uxbridge officials, and PowerFlex in attendance.
The medical supply manufacturer installed a 6.7MWDC solar system atop its 840,000-square-foot distribution facility in Uxbridge. Powerflex, the company’s long-term solar developer, created this system which will supply 8 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. This generation will save 5,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Medline President of Global Operations, Bill Abington, stated, ‘The Uxbridge rooftop solar array is another example of Medline investing in state-of-the-art technology and clean energy. Medline needs to remain at the forefront of clean energy and energy efficiency in operating our vast network of distribution and manufacturing facilities.’
About 16,000 solar panels will generate renewable energy with environmental benefits equivalent to planting 93,000 trees, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The latest system makes it the fifth of its kind to be installed in the US, and the eighth worldwide. In total, Solar systems at Medline facilities have reduced carbon emissions by 27,941 metric tons, saving them from burning about 3 million gallons of gasoline.
PowerFlex is an EDF Renewables Company that enables organizations and enterprises to integrate renewable technologies into their operations. They help to co-optimize solar, microgrid, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging systems to reduce energy costs and increase resiliency.
Medline Uxbridge facility distributes medical products across the trajectory of healthcare, including hospitals, surgery centers, nursing homes, veterinary centers, and physician offices. Since 2016, Medline has invested about $34 million in solar projects in several states, including California, Florida, and Illinois.
Medline’s solar investment moved from $12.6 million to $34.2 million between 2020 and the first quarter of 2022. The generation of renewable energy is expected to triple from 10 million kWh in 2021 to 28 million kWh.
Rooftop solar systems in the United States have exploded over the past decade. It is usually the top proposition for on-site solar systems for a business.
Rooftop solar PV installation does not interfere with industrial operations. Considering the roof space and energy consumption history of the company, the solar system monetizes the roof by reducing operating expenses. Many companies like Medline are capitalizing on these monetary benefits.
Medline’s sustainability programs started ten years ago, launching plans to conserve water and energy and limit landfill waste. They do not only invest in solar systems, but they also recycle medical equipment and supplies.
By creating innovative sustainable packaging solutions and delivery standards, utilizing electric transportation, and offering eco-friendly medical supplies, they represent an all-around sustainable company.
‘Medline is committed to helping healthcare run more sustainably,’ said Francesca Olivier, Medline senior director, ESG and strategic content. ‘This includes implementing standards and practices that are scalable and eco-friendly while encouraging our partners to do the same. In just 10 years, our cost and energy savings have been substantial, and we’re just getting started. Sustainability is and will continue to be at the forefront as we enter into this new phase of our commitment to people and the planet.’
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