Expansion Management

What's Behind the Curtain?

Sept. 3, 2009

While it's not money or a prize, it is actually flowers. Kyocera Group, a manufacturer of wireless phones, printers and solar power generating systems for residential use, is growing morning glories and goya (bitter gourd) to form "Green Curtains". The curtains are placed over trestles to shade portions of the outer walls and windows of manufacturing and office buildings.

Why? Well these plants absorb CO2. And they create a screen over the windows preventing direct sunlight from raising the temperature of office interiors thus reducing the need to use energy consuming air-conditioners.

All of this began two years ago at Kyocera's Okaya Plant in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This innovative environmental structure is now operating at 12 locations including four that are being added this year.

And the results of this effort are measurable. Two plants, Okaya and Gamo ,no longer need to use air-conditioning in the offices during the morning hours .

To learn more about the company's environmental activities click here

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

Follow Adrienne on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Call: 216-931-9235

Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.