Draper Addresses Sustainability, Energy Efficiency at U.S. Manufacturing Center

Draper has taken a significant step toward sustainability by adding solar panels to its expanded 100,000 sq. ft. U.S. manufacturing center, cutting its reliance on external electricity by 40%. Alongside this, they’ve implemented smart energy-saving systems like motion-sensitive LED lights and automated weekend shutdowns of high-energy systems like air compressors, HVAC, and lighting—resulting in noticeable energy savings.

Their long-term approach includes integrating a building automation system to further optimize energy use at the equipment level. For an industry deeply rooted in manufacturing since 1902, Draper continues to lead with modern, tech-powered energy efficiency that aligns well with lean principles and sustainability goals.

When Draper began planning for a 2023 expansion of its U.S.-based manufacturing facility, the company knew it also meant a bigger carbon footprint and energy bill. So as part of the addition, Draper planned to add solar panels to the roof of the new 100,000 square-foot building.

Those solar panels are now fully online and expected to reduce the company’s dependence on purchased outside electricity by 40%.

“The Draper commitment to efficiency and sustainability should come as no surprise. We’ve been in the business of making buildings more sustainable since 1902,” said Draper President Chris Broome. “This was a great opportunity to continue in that grand tradition, but with a modern twist.”

The company also turned its years of experience with Lean Manufacturing principles to help turn other negative impacts into more positive outcomes.

“One of the biggest impacts on the sustainability of any building is its efficiency,” said Harold Seib, Director of Engineering for Draper. “Improving efficiency reduces a building’s carbon footprint and impacts the cost of heating and cooling, and other energy needs.”

Draper instituted an energy monitoring and control system to shut down or reduce building systems in areas where they are not in use – including lights, air compressors, and HVAC, the three biggest energy users – during weekend and overnight hours.

“By just shutting off the air compressor, we saw a 5 to 10% reduction over the weekends,” said Seib. “We also changed to highly efficient motion-sensitive LED lighting through most of our factory. They save energy by shutting down in unoccupied areas so they aren’t drawing power.”

And there is still more to come.

“One of the things we’re looking at right now is a building automation system,” said Facilities Manager Chris Field. “This would take everything we’ve done on a building- and campus-wide level and drill it down to the equipment level. That will be a very powerful tool for us to continue our sustainability and efficiency efforts.