FAIRFIELD, Conn. and CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Bigelow Tea is exploring the ways in which electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce the company’s energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
Through a partnership with Fermata Energy, the specialty tea market leader is installing a bidirectional charger at their facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
“We wanted to learn how electric vehicles equipped with bidirectional charging systems can reduce our building costs and our impact on climate change,” said Cindi Bigelow, third-generation President and CEO of the family-owned company.
“Our partnership with Bigelow Tea will help us advance our mission of getting more renewables on the grid and more EVs on the road,” said David Slutzky, Founder and CEO of Fermata Energy. “Fermata Energy’s technology paired with a bidirectional enabled vehicle and our proprietary software has successfully reduced building costs by returning energy back to the grid during peak periods.”
“We are always learning new ways to advance our company’s mission,” Bigelow said. “We hope we can lead by example and bring this technology to our other facilities, resulting in further cost reductions and show others the value in transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles.”
As a Certified B Corporation, Bigelow Tea’s manufacturing process centers around conserving energy and water, waste reduction efforts, and land preservation and protection efforts. To be recognized as a B Corp (B stands for “benefit”), a company conducts a rigorous assessment of its business practices and must meet the highest standards of environmental and social performance, and include the interests of its stakeholders among the corporate responsibilities.
In addition, Bigelow Tea was designated a “Zero Waste to Landfill” company in 2012 and announced earlier this year that 100% of the energy used across all three of its facilities comes from 100% renewable sources, which have been certified by Green-e Energy, the national leader in clean energy certification.
“For 75 years Bigelow Tea has focused on doing the right thing for the right reasons.” Bigelow said. “That is why we have made such a strong commitment to greening, wellness, and community. The partnership with Fermata Energy advances these efforts.”
For more information on how Bigelow Tea makes a difference and leads by example visit https://bigelowtea.com/Responsibility/Sustainability. For more information on how Fermata Energy’s vehicle-to grid technology works visit www.fermataenergy.com.
Media Contacts
Daniel Cherrin / 313.300.0932 /dcherrin@northcoaststrategies.com
Jamy Stenger / 203.334.1212, 3218 / jstenger@rcbigelow.com
About Fermata Energy
Fermata Energy’s turnkey V2X system enables electric vehicle (EV) owners to make money while their cars are parked. Fermata Energy makes it possible for EVs to combat climate change, increase energy resilience, and reduce energy costs. For more information, visit www.fermataenergy.com, and follow us on Twitter (@FermataEnergy), LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@fermata__energy).
About Bigelow Tea Company
Based in Fairfield, CT and 100% family owned, the Bigelow Tea Company pioneered the specialty tea category nearly 75 years ago. The three-generational company takes pride in its heritage and successful growth from a one-product, entrepreneurial venture into America’s leading specialty tea brand. Producing 2 billion tea bags annually, the Bigelow Tea line includes more than 150 varieties of Flavored, Traditional, Green, Herbal, Decaffeinated, steep by Bigelow Organic, Bigelow Benefits Wellness teas and Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion – including its flagship specialty tea flavor, “Constant Comment”®, an all-time American favorite. Bigelow Tea products are available nationwide. For more information, visit our website (www.bigelowtea.com) or contact: media@bigelowtea.com