Technology Merit: Light Rail Manufacturing

The Mobility Division of Siemens Industry for manufacturing zero-emission products and using sustainable practices at its light rail vehicles facility in Sacramento - the only permanent light rail manufacturing plant on US soil. The plant recently added 200 full-time jobs and intends to hire another 250 people, following a $26 million expansion in 2009. Up to 80% of the facility's energy needs are met with a two megawatt solar power system. VOC waste was reduced by more than 50% while production increased by more than 200% in the last three years. In addition, over 80% of all the non-food/wet waste materials from the entire Sacramento plant are sent for sorting and recycling.