Rihm Family Companies: Commitment to Sustainability
At Rihm Family Companies, we are dedicated to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. Our initiatives reflect our commitment to environmental responsibility, benefiting our company, community, and the trucking industry. From installing solar panels to supporting electric vehicles, Rihm Family Companies is leading the way in sustainable trucking solutions.
Energy-Saving Solar Panels
In 2022, we installed 336 kWDC rooftop solar arrays at our South St. Paul, MN, and Coon Rapids, MN, locations. These solar panels generate 378,000 kWh of electricity annually, offsetting 43% of our buildings’ electricity expenses. This is equivalent to powering 52 homes for a year or planting 4,400 trees and letting them grow for 10 years. We are also exploring additional locations for future solar panel installations.
Efficient Buildings & Technology
Our newer buildings are designed for energy efficiency. The Rihm service department features in-floor heating, Macro Air fans, and high-speed garage doors. Natural light floods in through high-placed windows and glass garage doors, while exhaust fans utilize make-up air. Our Coon Rapids, MN, body shop recycles aluminum, steel, cardboard, and unused paint, maintaining a paint booth filtration efficiency of 98.5%.
In our parts and service departments, we recycle pallets, cardboard, plastic, and other packing materials. We also recycle filters, waste oil, metal, oil sorbents, contaminated diesel fuel, contaminated DEF, and used antifreeze. Containment systems in our new facilities capture any oil spills, ensuring a clean and safe environment.
Our truck showrooms feature high-efficiency rollup doors, and offices are designed with glass windows for natural lighting. Motion-triggered lighting throughout our buildings further enhances energy efficiency. Office paper and other recyclables are collected in various bins throughout our facilities, and electronics are sent to specialized recycling centers regularly. Additionally, our service department uses a completely paperless repair order system across all locations.
Electric Vehicles
The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the trucking industry is growing, and we are prepared to meet this demand. We have installed an EV charger on our premises to support electric vehicle charging. We are actively working with customers interested in incorporating electric vehicles into their fleets, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Why Sustainability Matters to Rihm Family Companies
At Rihm Family Companies, sustainability is more than just a buzzword – it is a core part of our business strategy. Our sustainability initiatives reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices. By adopting green technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint, support our community, and lead the trucking industry towards a more sustainable future.
Join Us in Our Sustainability Journey
We invite you to learn more about our sustainability initiatives and how they benefit our company, community, and industry. Discover how Rihm Family Companies is making a positive impact on the environment and paving the way for sustainable trucking solutions.