Sustainability at Rihm Family Companies
From solar panels to EV charging stations, Rihm Family Companies is taking great strides toward sustainability and lowering its carbon footprint.
The parts and service departments also recycle pallets, cardboard, plastic, and other packing materials. Rihm recycles filters that are changed in its service shops in addition to the waste oil. All metal, oil sorbents, contaminated diesel fuel, contaminated DEF, and used antifreeze are also recycled. Containment systems in place in Rihm’s new facilities capture any oil that could be inadvertently spilled in the shop.
Rihm’s truck showrooms utilize high-efficiency rollup doors. Offices are designed with glass windows for natural lighting. And there is motion-triggered lighting throughout buildings.
Office paper and other recycling bins are in various locations throughout all facilities. Electronics are collected and sent to specialized recycling centers on a regular basis. And the service department uses a completely paperless repair order system in place at all locations.
Energy-Saving Solar Panels
In 2022, Rihm installed 336 kWDC rooftop solar arrays at its locations in South St. Paul, MN and Coon Rapids, MN. The solar panels are expected to generate 378,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity each year, offsetting 43% of the buildings’ electricity expenses. That is enough electricity to power 52 homes for one year, or the same as planting 4,400 trees and letting them grow for 10 years. Rihm is considering other locations for solar panel installation as well.Efficient Buildings & Technology
In its newer buildings, the Rihm service department uses in-floor heat, Macro Air fans, and high-speed garage doors for efficiency. The high placement of windows and glass garage doors let natural light in, while exhaust fans utilize make up air.
Rihm’s body shop in Coon Rapids, MN, works hard to limit waste. Aluminum, steel, cardboard, and all unused paint are recycled. And the shop’s paint booth filtration requirement is 98.5% efficiency.The parts and service departments also recycle pallets, cardboard, plastic, and other packing materials. Rihm recycles filters that are changed in its service shops in addition to the waste oil. All metal, oil sorbents, contaminated diesel fuel, contaminated DEF, and used antifreeze are also recycled. Containment systems in place in Rihm’s new facilities capture any oil that could be inadvertently spilled in the shop.
Rihm’s truck showrooms utilize high-efficiency rollup doors. Offices are designed with glass windows for natural lighting. And there is motion-triggered lighting throughout buildings.
Office paper and other recycling bins are in various locations throughout all facilities. Electronics are collected and sent to specialized recycling centers on a regular basis. And the service department uses a completely paperless repair order system in place at all locations.