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Copeland Furniture Approaches Total Energy Independence with Expansion of Solar Array and Energy Conservation Efforts

Furniture World News Desk on 6/7/2021


Acknowledging the significant use of energy in manufacturing, Copeland Furniture reports that it is increasing its commitment to conservation with two initiatives currently underway. These plans will utilize and build upon Copeland's previous investments in energy conservation. In August of 2016, the family-owned company built a 626 kWh solar array on factory grounds. According to figures provided by the EPA's eGRID, it offsets nearly one million pounds of CO2 emission each year. This installation now produces electricity equal to 64% of the manufacturer's usage. Copeland is currently expanding its solar array, adding 396 kWh of solar capacity on its second factory building roof. By spring 2021, the two installations' combined output will exceed a Mega-watt and equal almost 100% of Copeland's electrical consumption.

 

Currently, 65% of Copeland's factory heat is biomass-fueled by wood waste generated from its manufacturing operations, with the remainder provided by fuel oil. With the addition of a second biomass boiler now under construction, over 95% of the heat energy for the factories will be provided by biomass generated on-site. The biomass-fired boilers will displace over 30,000 gallons of #2 fuel oil per year. The use of fuel oil will be limited to backup and holidays.

 

In addition to energy generation, Copeland has invested heavily in energy conservation in the form of variable frequency drives (VFDs) on many large electric motors, LED lighting throughout the factories, as well as significant upgrades to the facility itself.

 

Preservation and stewardship are values that run deep in Vermont. Since the company's inception, Copeland Furniture has maintained its commitment to conservation, continually investing and innovating to preserve the natural world, which inspires and influences each of its designs. Copeland Furniture takes pride in using sustainably harvested hardwoods and GREENGUARD Certified standard finishes. Copeland's leading efforts have been awarded the Silver Exemplary Membership status by Sustainable Furnishings Council and the Sage Award for environmental excellence by the American Home Furnishings Alliance.

 

 

About Copeland Furniture: Copeland Furniture started in the 1970s as a family-owned and operated enterprise. Its mission is to create beautiful wood products from natural hardwoods while simultaneously protecting the beauty of the nature surrounding them. During its many periods of growth, it has evolved from a one-person operation in an old garage in East Corinth, Vermont, to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located on the Connecticut River banks in Bradford, Vermont. More than four decades later, Copeland Furniture has stayed true to its creed and places a high value on quality furniture that lasts multiple generations. Copeland Furniture believes that understated, well-designed furniture informs our creative sensibilities every day, and continuous improvement allows the company to thrive and excel. For more information, visit www.copelandfurniture.com.