"Going green” is a phrase heard a lot nowadays. Companies, communities and individuals all over the world are jumping on the wagon to help protect our environment through reducing waste and improving recycling methods. The Duke Energy nuclear fleet is right on track with this movement by consistently finding ways to take recycling to a whole new level.
Since nuclear power stations get extremely hot, employees are constantly drinking water to stay cool and hydrated. Last year, over 200,000 water bottles were used by workers at just one nuclear site. To stop generating this plastic waste, Duke Energy has installed filtered water dispensing units at all of the company’s nuclear stations. The McGuire, Catawba and Oconee stations provide cold water via coolers creating a new, way for employees to get the water they need and help the environment.
Reducing plastic use benefits everyone. By not purchasing bottles, cost savings are estimated at close to 50 percent annually. When bottled water is brought into the plant, it must be x-rayed by security and moved three times. The water dispensing units cut out the need for this extra labor and time. By limiting bottle use, Duke Energy is drastically reducing our carbon footprint.
The Duke Energy nuclear team isn’t stopping at water dispensers to reduce plastic. Trash at the plant is only being picked up twice a week (which is a labor savings in itself), drastically decreasing the amount of plastic bags used. This limited pickup reduces plastic bag use by more than 1,700 pounds at each nuclear site every year.
Other areas also factor into our recycling efforts. For example, instead of being discarded, unused wood is being ground into mulch. And we’re also adding solar lighting. Recycling paper continues to be an essential focus with cover sheets either not printed at all or collected and donated to local schools. Information sessions on recycling at home and work are also held to educate employees.
Duke Energy values recycling and continues to look for ways to “go green” as we help protect our planet’s natural resources and become a more sustainable company.