Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Cox Media Announces Employee Solar Program

Through its Cox Conserves sustainability program, Cox Enterprises is launching a national employee solar program that will provide incentives for employees who choose to install solar panel systems on their homes.

The program was announced by Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy in a session on energizing employees at Fortune’s Brainstorm Green conference.

Cox’s employee solar program was initially piloted in California through a partnership with SolarCity and has nearly 100 participants who can pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility bills.

“When we launched Cox Conserves, we really wanted to encourage our employees to be eco-friendly,” said Kennedy. “Whether you are a corporation or an individual, everyone can do something to help preserve our environment. Our 50,000 employees are constantly sharing ideas that help green our operations. This program lets us help them be sustainable at home.”

Employees who qualify and sign up for the program will receive $500 directly from Cox Enterprises and an additional $500 discount from SolarCity, an exclusive offer for Cox employees. Cox’s major subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader Group.

SolarCity currently operates in Ariz., Calif., Colo., Conn., Del., Hawaii, Md., Mass., Nev., N.J., N.Y., Ore., Pa., Texas, Wash. and Washington, D.C. Employees are still eligible for the $500 incentive from Cox Enterprises in states where SolarCity does not currently operate.

Since 2007, Cox Enterprises has prevented approximately 120,000 tons of carbon from entering the environment and saved more than 125 million gallons of water. The company has diverted 15,000 tons of waste from entering landfills since 2013. Cox’s Supplier Sustainability Initiative has engaged suppliers that represent more than $160 billion in products and services.

Cox Enterprises and its affiliated foundations have invested more than $100 million in sustainability and conservation through operations projects and grants to environmental nonprofits.

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