01 Feb 2007
IEWS, BAE Systems' electronic warfare systems business in the US, is introducing a range of environmental improvements.
These are helping to reduce environmental impacts and save money. Energy efficiency is one area being addressed. All eight IEWS sites have introduced energy efficient lighting and air conditioning systems. Some sites have also added new roof insulation to reduce heat loss.
These measures have reduced electricity use and IEWS has received a one-time rebate of $106,000 from their power supplier as a result. Recycling is also a priority at IEWS sites. A full-time Asset Recovery Team reviews all waste material to identify items that can be reused or recycled. Approximately 135 tonnes of material were recycled during 2004. A new air conditioning system at the IEWS Canal Street facility in Nashua, New Hampshire has cut water consumption by 42 million gallons a year.
Previously, water used in the site's cooling system was used once and then discharged into the local river. The new system operates on a 'closed loop' so water is continually reused. This saves $160,000 per year and means that no water is discharged into the river. All new IEWS employees receive environmental training as part of their induction. This ensures they understand the company's environmental policy and can help to implement environmental improvement programmes.
