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Engine maker Cummins Inc. is finding that going green can be good for the bottom line.
Cummins has invested about $10 million in 70 projects in its Indiana facilities since 2007, leading to annual savings of $4 million, The Republic of Columbus reported. Throughout the company, a total investment of about $28 million is providing annual savings of $20 million.
Energy and environmental relations Director Laurie Counsel says few initiatives undertaken by Cummins have produced a better return on investment.
Cummins' initiatives have ranged from reminding employees to turn off lights when they don't need them, to retrofitting engine test cells with systems that capture and reuse some of the heat generated by the engines, to building new plants and offices with green technology.
Cummins recently became a partner in the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge, which requires participants to achieve an energy-reduction goal. Cummins is shooting for a 25 percent reduction by 2015.
Alan J. Resnik, director of corporate environmental management, said the company already has changed light fixtures and light bulbs in more than 30 U.S. facilities. In addition to better efficiency, the new fixtures and bulbs are providing higher quality light, leading to improved safety and enhanced comfort.
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