IKO has completed a new solar energy project at the Blair Rubber manufacturing facility in Seville, Ohio, marking another step forward in the company’s ongoing sustainability efforts. Developed in partnership with Artisun Solar, the installation supports IKO’s Beyond™ sustainability program, which focuses on promoting responsible operations, improving resource efficiency, and reducing environmental impact across the company’s facilities and communities throughout North America.
The project also represents a local milestone, becoming the first commercial solar installation completed within the Village of Seville, Ohio. The development reflects growing interest among manufacturers in integrating renewable energy solutions into industrial operations while supporting long-term energy cost savings and emissions reduction goals.
Blair Rubber Company, an affiliate of IKO, specializes in manufacturing corrosion-resistant rubber linings and conveyor belt splice products used across a variety of industrial applications. The newly installed solar system is expected to help power a portion of the facility’s operations while reducing reliance on conventional electricity sources.
The solar array has a total installed capacity of 503.1 kW (DC) and is projected to generate approximately 536,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This output is expected to meet roughly 16 percent of the facility’s total electricity demand. In addition to generating clean energy, the project will produce a corresponding number of renewable energy certificates (RECs), supporting broader sustainability objectives and renewable energy accounting efforts.
Over the course of its operational lifetime, the solar installation is expected to generate significant economic and environmental benefits. IKO estimates that the system could deliver more than $2.7 million in avoided energy costs while offsetting approximately 10,541.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
These reductions contribute to the company’s wider efforts to lower its environmental footprint and improve operational sustainability.The project serves as a practical example of how IKO is implementing the goals of its Beyond sustainability program at the facility level. The initiative focuses on integrating renewable energy technologies into manufacturing operations while improving efficiency across production processes and supporting responsible resource management practices.
Development and construction of the solar system were carried out by Artisun Solar in close collaboration with IKO’s sustainability team, leadership at the Blair Rubber facility, and a range of external contractors. The project team also worked closely with officials from the Village of Seville throughout the permitting and electrical interconnection process to ensure smooth project execution.
As part of the installation, the facility received a newly constructed roofing system incorporating several of IKO’s own building products, including Innovi™ TPO roofing membranes, IKOTherm Polyiso insulation, and IKOTherm Covershield components. According to Artisun Solar, particular attention was given to designing a system that maximizes solar energy generation while protecting the long-term durability of the roof structure.
Peter Whitney, Vice President of Artisun Solar, explained that the project was designed to achieve strong energy performance without compromising the integrity of the building. The company focused on balancing renewable energy production with long-term facility protection, ensuring that the solar array could support operational energy needs while maintaining the performance and lifespan of the roofing system.
IKO views the project as part of a broader strategy to improve sustainability performance across its North American operations. Darren Rafter, Director of Sustainability for IKO North America, noted that while renewable energy is an important component of the company’s environmental strategy, the organization is also focused on enhancing resource efficiency and reducing waste throughout its manufacturing network.
The Beyond program extends beyond renewable energy investments and encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at improving environmental performance across the company’s facilities. In recent years, IKO has implemented several projects focused on waste reduction, material recovery, and circular economy practices.
Among these initiatives is a product waste recovery and reuse system at the company’s commercial roofing manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland. The company has also introduced an in-line asphalt shingle recycling system at its facility in Hawkesbury, Ontario, designed to reduce raw material consumption while diverting waste from landfills.
Through projects such as the Blair Rubber solar installation, IKO continues to expand its sustainability efforts while exploring opportunities to improve energy efficiency, increase renewable energy adoption, and strengthen environmental stewardship across its manufacturing operations.
The company believes that combining renewable energy investments with resource conservation initiatives will play an important role in supporting long-term operational resilience and sustainable growth.
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