Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America, is also at the forefront of the electric and autonomous truck and bus industry. DTNA manufactures, sells, and services commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star, Detroit, and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Staying true to its heritage as an industry leader, DTNA is now leading the way in the transition to cleaner operations and products and is committed to becoming carbon neutral in its vehicle production by 2025. The company is invested in reducing energy and water usage across its portfolio, and that includes making significant energy efficiency upgrades at its Cleveland, N.C. manufacturing plant.
The Story
DTNA wanted to upgrade and standardize the lighting at its Cleveland plant, and it was important for them to work with a provider that was flexible and could include different types of technologies within the scope of work. Metrus Energy’s off-balance sheet solution provided the perfect solution. Since Metrus is agnostic when it comes to the types and brands of assets it finances, DTNA could expand and select the scope that was tailored to their individual needs. Moreover, DTNA needed a provider who could roll out a program nationwide. Metrus’ SESA made it possible for DTNA to not only improve efficiency at the North Carolina plant, but also continue to expand the program for other forthcoming projects.
The Upshot
Centrica joined as Metrus’ ESCO partner, helping them to implement upgrades across seven buildings, amounting to a total investment of $6.55 million and generating roughly $1 million in average annual savings for DTNA over a 12-year SESA term. There will be an annual CO₂ reduction of approximately 2,911 tons resulting from an 8.6 million annual kWh reduction moving DTNA closer to its sustainability goals. This is the first project in a SESA program and even deeper savings are expected with subsequent projects.
“We appreciate Metrus’ collaboration in helping our Cleveland facility come one step closer to achieving our CO₂-neutral manufacturing goals. Collaborating with outside partners like Metrus is an important component of our overall strategy and we look forward to working with their team in the years ahead.”
-Erik Johnson, Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant Manager, DTNA
