It looks like we can add Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) to the list of companies that are trying to reduce the impact of business operations. Today, the company announced a collaboration with Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute to realize reductions in water and energy consumption at Coca-Cola’s 2M square-foot world headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Under the collaboration, Coca-Cola will spend $3 million on energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning equipment, rainwater harvesting techniques, and advanced irrigation control systems. What’s the result?
- Savings of +$1 million in annual operating costs
- Elimination of 10,000 metric carbon dioxide emissions each year (equal to removing 2,000 cars from the road)
- 23% reduction in energy consumption
- 15% reduction in water consumption
Back-of-the-envelope style, that’s a three year payback. Coca-Cola realizes it can’t be frivolous with water, especially considering the fact that H20 is the main ingredient in the company’s beverages. Cola-Cola Energy and Climate Protection Manager Bryan Jacob talked about the green retrofits saying, "Since climate change will have a profound impact on freshwater resources, we are making water conservation – in our plants around the world and at our headquarters – a priority. The irrigation improvement projects at our Atlanta Office Complex will reduce the water used for landscaping by an estimated 75 percent."
I think Coca-Cola should be recognized for these efforts. This is another example of the business case for green buildings. Coca-Cola is going to save money on this deal. It’s the smart, business-savvy thing to do. Now, our next step is to figure out how to reduce the worldwide consumption of caffeine. 🙂 Via Coca-Cola + Atlanta Business Chronicle.
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