At Firestone Building Products (Firestone), energy efficiency is more than a goal; it’s an integral part of the company’s corporate commitment to sustainability. A member of Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone), Firestone Building Products shares the environmental mission of Bridgestone to “help ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations.”
Firestone manufactures high performance building products, such as roofing systems, wall panels and landscaping solutions, with a focus on energy efficient and sustainable products. Its Bristol, CT facility manufactures the energy efficient insulation that the company used within its own walls during recent renovations.
In 2013, Firestone Building Products installed 82 natural gas fired radiant tube heaters, also known as infrared heaters, to heat the warehouse. This new system, which saves energy by targeting heat only to occupied warehouse areas, is expected to reduce natural gas consumption by 38,515 ccf (hundred cubic feet). The warehouse was equipped with more than 500 LED fixtures and 270 occupancy sensors, which contributed to 855,290 kWh in electric savings. The facility also installed photovoltaic panels to not only offset energy use, but as an example of how roof and PV systems should be integrated.
As part of the Energize Connecticut initiative, Firestone Building Products worked with Yankee Gas to receive incentives for these projects. Yankee Gas representatives also worked with Firestone Building Products to ensure accuracy of contractor documents and calculations. The photovoltaic systems were made possible by a grant from the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority.
For Firestone Building Products employees, a focus on sustainable business practices, like improving energy efficiency, is ingrained in their culture as part of the company’s “One Team, One Planet” environmental commitment. A Kaizan Energy Committee is responsible for training staff on maintenance, and thanks to a company-wide innovation program called BIG Ideas, colleagues can contribute energy savings and conservation ideas.
Firestone Building Products is planning a lobby kiosk to showcase the facility’s energy savings to inspire customers and employees to do more. Energy efficiency also is highlighted at Building Products University – an instructor-led program that educates stakeholders in all aspects of roofing and the building envelope.
The energy reduction improvement project at the Bristol, CT facility demonstrates Firestone’s focus on working in harmony with nature, valuing natural resources and reducing carbon dioxide and other emissions. When it comes to energy efficiency, Firestone Building Products is committed to producing results.