Mack Trucks – Andres Cuadrado – 2017

Goals

Mack Trucks, an American truck-manufacturing company and long-time EDF Climate Corps host, wanted to reduce its carbon footprint and increase energy savings more than it already had. The company was thinking big: achieve a carbon neutral operation that aligns with Volvo Group’s commitment to reduce 25% of its energy intensity by 2020 (The Volvo Group in North America has committed to reduce energy from all plants participating in the Better Buildings Better Plants program with DOE 25% by 2024). EDF Climate Corps fellow Andres Cuadrado was brought on board to identify and evaluate potential renewable energy solutions.

Solutions

Cuadrado worked with top tier vendors to identify reliable on-site generation technologies that would increase energy savings as well as provide a tool for evaluating their financial return. Included in his alternatives were 4 Mega Watts (MW) of both onsite rooftop and ground mounted Solar PV in addition to 1.4 MW of hydrogen Fuel Cells. Cuadrado then reviewed the company’s internal Energy Efficiency and CAPEX investment policies in search of the most cost-effective way for Mack Trucks to acquire the assets. Working together with the business controllers and accountants, he identified the relevant budgets, procedures and tax credits for the renewable energy investments. Finally, Cuadrado presented the financial assessment for each technology, prioritizing on the cost-benefits, financial savings and carbon impact.

Potential Impact

The solar installations have the potential to reduce 2.5 thousand metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. The financial analysis is being used in the 2018 budget process to procure potential funding for the projects.