Local tour highlights innovative solar farm at Crayola

Senator Boscola, Rep. Flood, and Rep. Freeman join statewide enviro group PennEnvironment and Crayola to discuss the benefits of going solar

Easton, PA – Local officials and residents joined leaders from Crayola and the nonprofit environmental group PennEnvironment for an informative tour of the business’ innovative solar project and sustainability initiatives. The tour was held to educate Easton residents about the benefits of solar energy and how they can go solar if interested.

PennEnvironment, State Sen Boscola, State Reps Freeman and Flood, local leaders, and Lehigh Valley Residents tour Crayola’s solar arrayPhoto by TPIN | TPIN

“Crayola’s commitment to powering crayon production with solar energy shows how iconic American brands can lead the way on sustainability,” said Madeleine Hepting, organizer with PennEnvironment. “With the opportunity to draw on federal clean energy incentives, there’s never been a better time for businesses to follow Crayola’s example and switch to solar.”

In 2010, Crayola built a 20-acre solar farm in Forks Township, Pennsylvania with over 33,000 panels. It produces enough energy to make 1 billion crayons, 700 million markers and 120 million jars of paint annually. To date, they have saved the equivalent of 25 metric tons of carbon and produced enough energy to power more than 3,000 homes annually.

“Crayola has long been committed to environmental stewardship because it’s important to us that today’s kids have a healthy environment for their creative tomorrows,” said Peter Ruggiero, Crayola president & CEO. “Our solar farm is one of many ways Crayola incorporates sustainability into our business to benefit our company, community and consumers.  Over the past decade Crayola has manufactured more than 10 billion crayons and 7 billion markers with renewable energy.”

Peter Ruggiero, Crayola president & CEO, briefs tour attendees about Crayola’s clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable upgrades and commitmentsPhoto by TPIN | TPIN

Their additional investments in renewable energy allow for their U.S. manufacturing to be powered by 100% renewable energy–proudly displayed on their iconic packaging. Crayola’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond their solar farm with additional sustainability initiatives like cooling 70% of their crayons with geothermal and making the majority of their colored pencils from reforested pine.

“In 2011, Crayola’s commitment to sustainability was ahead of the curve,” said state Senator Lisa Boscola. “Proof of solar done right. It made business sense then and still continues to make a difference today. It brings long term energy savings, helps reduce risk and shows a real commitment to innovation. At the same time it helps make our air cleaner and our environment a little healthier.”

Other entities that want to follow suit and install solar or geothermal have the added benefit of solar and clean energy tax credits that can dramatically lower the price tag for going solar.

“It’s exciting to see our region embracing practical solutions that not only help the environment but also make economic sense,” said state Representative Ann Flood. “I encourage others to look at this project as a model. When we invest in forward thinking energy solutions, we’re investing in a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable future for Pennsylvanians.”

Solar energy is abundant, efficient and increasingly affordable, and businesses are often great candidates for rooftop solar panels. Harnessing more energy from the sun would mean cleaner air, a more stable climate, less strain on natural resources, and an energy source we can depend on to be virtually pollution-free for as long as we can imagine. Plus, going solar increases energy independence and reliability and allows entities to save a ton of money on their utility bills.

“Pennsylvania ranks only 48th in the growth of clean energy over the last decade, and it is the 4th highest greenhouse gas emitter state in the U.S.,” said state Representative Robert Freeman. “This all leads to high rates of air and climate pollution, putting our health and the health of our planet at risk. More solar means clean air, less climate pollution and will help to make our utility bills far less expensive.”

Right now, Pennsylvania is currently ranked 26th in the nation for solar power production. Crayola leaders hope that their solar farm can inspire other businesses across Pennsylvania to follow their lead, choose clean energy and help Pennsylvania become a solar leader.

PennEnvironment is holding events like this throughout the state to help spread the word about the benefits of going solar so that more houses of worship, nonprofits, businesses and individuals can invest in a clean energy future too.