Feb 10 2011
3M is the first company headquarters in Minnesota to install a ChargePoint® Network electric vehicle charging station that will accommodate cars like the Chevrolet VOLT and Nissan LEAF electric car. The station was unveiled today at 3M Center.
“Installing the latest technology to charge electric vehicles at our corporate headquarters was an easy decision. Innovation is a way of life at 3M, and this is a great way to align our culture with a continued commitment to reduce impact on the environment and underline the connection between 3M values and sustainability,” said Jean Sweeney, vice president, 3M Environmental, Health and Safety Operations.
The station is the first of two that 3M will have installed on its campus to serve employees and their guests. Both charging stations will be part of the ChargePoint Network by Coulomb Technologies. Electric vehicle owners can access the network on-line to identify nearby charging stations during their trip or daily commute. Drivers can even tell which stations are immediately available via smart phone applications while traveling. In addition to the two dedicated charging stations that will be linked to the ChargePoint Network, 3M has also equipped additional parking spaces with upgraded electrical service.
The installation of electric vehicle charging stations at 3M Center represents the latest initiative geared to enhance infrastructure with sustainability in mind, following dozens of programs that have been implemented at 3M over the years. 3M was the first company in the early 1970’s to adopt a van pool program. In 1973, the company established an energy management department. In 2010, 3M’s energy savings programs prevented the use of nearly 8 million KWH of electricity and 585,940 Therms of natural gas.
“What we’re doing at 3M Center is indicative of our corporate-wide commitment. Due to our energy reduction efforts, improvements to manufacturing processes, product reformulation, and pollution control equipment, 3M has reduced global greenhouse gas emissions by 77 percent since 1990,” said Sweeney. “This is just another step in support of our commitment to environmental responsibility.”
The first charging station at 3M is located in the visitors’ parking lot at the center of its campus in Maplewood. The second unit will be installed this spring at the company’s customer innovation center on the northwest side of the property.