S.C. Johnson launches wind energy program

S.C. Johnson has launched a wind energy pilot program at their corporate headquarters campus in Racine with the installation of three new wind turbines. The pilot program is expected to help the company further reduce is green house gas usage and raise awareness that renewable energy is not just for factories.
"The use of renewable energy is essential to making a difference in the world and conducting business in a responsible way," said chairman and chief executive officer Fisk Johnson, the company’s fifth generation leader. "We hope our use of wind energy will inspire businesses in Racine and other cities to find new, sustainable solutions for reducing energy use."
The three wind turbines are located on the roof of one of the seven buildings on the campus.
"While we are not sure how much alternative energy these turbines will produce, we expect to have clear, consistent results within a year," said Johnson. "This pilot program will help provide useful information on ways we can develop more sustainable solutions for our campus."
The wind turbines are expected to be fully functioning by the end of the month. Once fully operational, the turbines will be connected to the company’s electrical distribution system. The output they generate will power a small portion of the company’s campus.
The company is hopeful that the outcome of the pilot program will demonstrate the number of computers, machines and other basic office resources that can be powered by renewable energy. Depending on the impact of the turbine’s energy output, it is possible the company will extend the project to additional local S.C. Johnson facilities.
"We are thrilled to be using more renewable energy not just in our factories but in our office buildings. It is another way we are doing what’s right for our communities and the environment around us," said Johnson.
American Renewable Power of Wisconsin was selected to install the Swift turbines designed by Cascade Engineering, Inc. in Michigan. Gateway Technical College’s Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation building is the only other facility in Racine that uses wind turbines to reduce energy use.