The Gilman Brothers Company, a 128-year-old family-owned Connecticut-based manufacturer of foam board products, announced a $1.5 million solar project and efficiency projects. 

Over a 15-year agreement, energy-as-a-service company Budderfly expects to lower Gilman Brothers’ annual energy costs by up to 30% and cut carbon emissions from electricity consumption in half — equivalent to 9,000 metric tons.

The Gilman Brothers Company, which provides signage, display, graphics, and wall art solutions to retailers, is moving away from fossil fuel dependency and outdated lighting to a more sustainable, cost-effective clean energy future. The company  will benefit from a 750-kilowatt rooftop solar system, all-new LED lighting and an ultra-high-efficiency HVAC system. Additionally, the company will implement several other cost-saving technologies, including high-efficiency motors paired with variable frequency drives.

“Today’s energy challenges are not the first ones our company has faced. Gilman Brothers has long understood the operational and financial benefits of having greater control over our energy supply as well as transparency into how we’re using it. We also know that managing it is a full-time business,” said Jeff Blanchard, Vice President of Operations with The Gilman Brothers Company, in a statement. “Budderfly’s holistic approach and financial model is what independent manufacturers like Gilman Brothers want—and need. With Budderfly, we’re able to stay focused on our core mission to deliver our customers quality products while also trusting that our evolving energy needs are being met.”