In keeping with the strong interest in the subjects of sustainability and climate change, the RSA organized a fascinating event at the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, CT. on November 5th. Among the attendees were 15 graduate students from the School of Forestry and Environment at Yale University kindly introduced by Rachel Kelstein.
The event was hosted by Robert Araujo, Manager of the Environment, Health and Safety Department. We were first given a tour of the plant, a truly extraordinary experience. An optimally automated spic and span facility, it is operated 24-7 and serves our Defense Department, our Government and the private sector.
Then came a delicious dinner, followed by a lecture from our host who addressed Sikorsky’s impressive efforts in the field of sustainability and green technologies. The latter includes a co-generation plant at the huge Stratford facility to become more energy independent. Other sustainability projects included the recycling of massive quantities of water required before the helicopters are ready for flight. There was also great emphasis on the health and safety of the employees who had had an astonishing high retention rate of 92%. An extensive question and answer period followed which gave us all a wonderful opportunity to openly ask any questions we had on Sikorsky’s policies.
It was quite obvious that this company is attempting to be in the forefront of making the changes necessary to constantly improve its energy independence and serve as an international environmental model.
The RSA looks forward to future events on the topic of climate change and the responsibility we all have to do our individual share in energy conservation and improving the quality of our environment.
Carole Franco
For more on sustainability see also:
Screening: the Age of Stupid
Having Your Coke and Drinking It Too; Carbon Capture and Sequestration
Countdown to Copenhagen
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Congratulations to Carole Franco, US Trustee, and Rachel Kelstein, a friend of RSA, for organizing this interesting event.
I encourage other FRSAs to follow their example. Select a topic. Find a sponsor. Organize. Promote. Feel the satisfaction of accomplishment in putting RSA on the map…..and repeat frequently!
Great job and our thanks.