Community & Environment
Horst Engineering has made many contributions to the communities in which it operates. The company maintains strong support for the environment and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Solar Power
One of the more visible examples of Horst Engineering’s commitment to the environment is the 39kW solar power electric photovoltaic system located on the roof of our 41 Cedar Street plant. 128 solar panels contribute more than 42,000 kWh of clean power, more than 50% of the plant site’s total electric demand. Real time performance of our system can be tracked through our Live System Monitoring.
The solar system went live in January 2009, and was made possible by a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. After state and federal incentives, the expected payback on the total investment is 6-8 years, but the system has already shown the effectiveness of incorporating solar power into a manufacturing environment.
How Solar PV Electric Power Systems Work
Photovoltaic cells are made of very pure semiconductor grade silicon, the most common element in the Earth’s crust, similar to that used in computer chips.
Electricity is produced as photons of sunlight penetrate the silicon, bumping electrons into a flow. PV cells are connected together to make a module. Modules are the building blocks connected together to make an array.
The photovoltaic effect produces DC (Direct Current) electricity. This DC power is converted to AC (Alternating Current) electricity to match the American standards of AC frequency and voltage. The conversion is made by an important system component called the inverter. The array and inverter are engineered for efficiency and compatibility. The AC electricity can then be used to power your home, school or business.
Energy you don’t use is credited to you as it passes through your utility meter and into the utility grid. This is known as net-metering.
Green Building
In addition to the solar electric power system, Horst Engineering uses many best green building practices at its facilities and in its operations. The newer 41 Cedar Street plant is energy efficient.
HVAC
- Split System Units with gas heat, high SEER air conditioning, and economizers
- Internet Protocol (IP) programmable thermostats
Lighting
- Natural lighting
- T8 and T5 high efficiency fluorescent lamps with motion sensors
Insulation
- Walls: Rigid Foam Board and tape sealed
- Ceiling: Fiberglass paper backed batts, reflective foil barrier, and drop ceilings
Compressed Air Systems
- High efficiency compressors with oversized tanks
- Closed loop plumbing
Miscellaneous
- Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paints
- High efficiency electric hand dryers
- Dual flush toilets
Horst Engineering is a member of The Connecticut Green Building Council.
1% For The Planet
Thread Rolling Inc. joined 1% For The Planet in 2008. This non-profit organization, with more than 1000 member companies was founded in 2002, 1% For The Planet has inspired members of the business community to contribute 1% of sales to environmental groups around the world. Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia Inc., and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% For The Planet to encourage more businesses to support environmental groups. The mission is “Use market forces to drive positive environmental change by inspiring companies to give.” Membership demonstrates that Thread Rolling Inc. and Horst Engineering care about sustainable business practices.
Environmental Organizations
Additionally, many of our employees are hikers, cyclists, trail runners, fisherman, hunters, and other lovers of the environment. Some of the conservation, outdoors, and environmental organizations that have received support from Thread Rolling Inc. and Horst Engineering are:
- Appalachian Mountain Club
- Connecticut Forest & Park Association
- Green Mountain Club
- Bolton Land Trust
- Riverfront Recapture
- Northern Connecticut Land Trust
- Sonoran Institute
- Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
- Catamount Trail Association
- Appalachian Trails Conservancy
- New England Mountain Bike Association
- International Mountain Bike Association
- National Outdoor Leadership School
- Sierra Club
- Environment Northeast
- White Memorial Foundation
- Holcomb Farm Learning Center
- Ragged Mountain Foundation
- Connecticut Farmland Trust
- Conservacion Patagonica
Community & Social Organizations
Horst Engineering has supported many community organizations during its long history. Examples include annual support for the Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash Road Race, East Hartford Childplan, and the East Hartford Community Shelter. Support has also been given to many social organizations, including International Medical Corps.
Industry Associations
Horst Engineering is a proud member of many business and industry associations:
