EDEN, NC, November 29, 2018 — Mohawk Group and nonprofit Groundswell have teamed up to locate a new smartflower™ solar energy unit near three Rockingham County Schools in North Carolina—a project that will bring the benefits of clean solar power to the area, create educational opportunities for students and also contribute to Mohawk’s sustainability efforts to leave more handprints than footprints.
The smartflower technology was unveiled on Nov. 29 at a special event in Eden, N.C., which is also the home of Mohawk’s historic Karastan woven carpet plant. The mill celebrated its 90th anniversary of operation this year. Planted on the campus of Eden’s Central Elementary School, the smartflower is located adjacent to Holmes Middle School and Morehead High School.
“We are especially proud to be part of this project and be able to invest in the Eden community where many of our colleagues live and work,” said George Bandy Jr., Mohawk’s vice president of sustainability and commercial marketing. “In creating our Living Products, we want to be a strategic community partner and use our handprints to connect the next generation with STEM programs and innovative technologies that support a sustainable future.”
Mohawk Group has engaged in this special partnership with Groundswell to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offset the energy and resources used during some of its manufacturing processes. The smartflower installation in North Carolina is part of Mohawk’s handprinting strategy for two of its latest Living Product Challenge Petal certified flooring products: Pivot Point enhanced resilient tile and Sunweave woven broadloom/area rug.
Both Pivot Point and Red List-free Sunweave, which is crafted from Mohawk Group’s award-winning yarn system, Heathered Hues, are designed to give more back to the environment than they take during their entire life cycle. Sunweave is manufactured in Eden.
Project partner Groundswell develops community solar projects and subscriber management programs that connect solar power with economic empowerment for the communities served. “Our mission is to build community power, and we’re thrilled to partner with Mohawk to connect this solar installation with the Eden, N.C. community’s vision for empowering its young people through education,” said Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell. “North Carolina is a solar leader, and the solar industry creates one in 50 new jobs in America. We look forward to a future where the bright young minds of Eden are powering the solar industry.”
Karen Hyler, Rockingham County Schools public information officer, also noted the exciting learning opportunities through the innovative donation of the smartflower. “Rockingham County Schools is excited to benefit from the unique partnership between Mohawk, Groundswell and other project partners,” she said. “The future of our planet lies in the hands of our young people. The ability to put those hands-on renewable energy tools and education to learn firsthand about the importance of preserving and properly utilizing our natural resources is truly a gift that will keep on giving for years to come for members of our community.”
The solar energy project in North Carolina is the second of 10 smartflowers to be established across the U.S. as part of a three-year partnership between Mohawk Group and Groundswell.
About Mohawk Group As the world’s leading producer and distributor of quality commercial flooring, Mohawk Group believes that better floor coverings emerge from better design, innovation, sustainability, project solutions and operational excellence. Mohawk Group addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in contract interiors with a comprehensive carpet and hard surface portfolio of all types and price points. As the commercial division of Mohawk Industries, the company has a heritage of craftsmanship that spans more than 130 years.
About Groundswell Groundswell builds community power to cut electricity bills in half for our neighbors who need savings the most. We use community solar, resilience hubs, and home energy efficiency to preserve affordable housing, strengthen the grid, and support local economic development. Then we connect people with projects through our data platform to deliver sustainable, measurable results. Founded in 2009, Groundswell joyfully serves 6,500 families in rural, small-town, and urban communities in the Heartland, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast with more than $3 million in annual electricity savings, on a pathway to delivering $15 million per year in savings to 30,000 families by 2030.
Contact :
Luke Chaffin
(762) 204.5607
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