Governor Scott tours the SunCommon plant in Waterbury on Tuesday. SunCommon photos.
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott visited SunCommon on Tuesday in Waterbury and shared his thoughts on energy independence and how Vermont achieves that goal during a visit with 120 employees of the solar-energy company. Governor Scott told the crowd, which included solar installers, customer support and managers, “Energy independence, from my perspective, is the goal. That’s where we want to be. Now I believe the climate is changing. I believe we should be doing everything we can to wean ourselves off of carbon emitting fuels.”
The governor called the work being done by SunCommon valuable. He said that he believes the way to ultimately bring people together on this issue is by focusing on the opportunity to save money.
Governor Scott noted the young workforce, with a median age of 32. He answered questions from employees, including some, who have been able to stay in Vermont and others who came here after finding a career in the renewable industry.
SunCommon Co-President Duane Peterson said in a statement after the meeting, "Our governor visited SunCommon today, to see first hand our commitment to clean energy, economic development and good job creation. He seemed to delight in the sea of our employees' faces, celebrating the real benefits of re-energizing Vermont's economy."
SunCommon employs 120 people in Vermont and 40 in New York State. During their nearly seven years in business, they have solarized 1 in every 40 homes in Vermont.
Governor Scott meets with SunCommon employees.
About SunCommon
SunCommon is a market-solution to climate change with a purpose beyond profit. As Vermont’s largest solar provider and a quality leader in the Hudson Valley and Capital Region of New York, we believe that everyone has the right to a healthy environment and brighter future – and renewable energy is where it starts. SunCommon is a Certified BCorp based on a rigorous third party assessment of our commitment to the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.
"Our 160 employees are passionate about our values led business. Our mission is to tear down barriers to clean energy and use our business as a force for good. We lead by example working out of Vermont’s largest net-positive office building, which produces more energy than it uses."
Source: February 6, 2019 - Waterbury, Vermont. www.suncommon.com