Sustainable Silicon Valley

Sustainable Silicon Valley (SSV) is a collaboration of businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations that are identifying and addressing environmental and resource pressures in the Valley.

In recognition of the importance of the climate change issue and the area's drive to remain competitive in a location with high energy costs, SSV organized the CO2 Initiative, in which SSV is engaging prominent Valley organizations to work towards a goal of reducing regional carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2010. These pledging organizations are the SSV Partners.

Partners in SSV choose their own baseline year and a CO2 percentage reduction goal to reach by 2010. Each pledging partner also chooses how to meet this target, whether by equipment efficiency improvements (e.g. new equipment), conserving energy (e.g. behavioral changes), increasing the use of renewable energy sources (e.g. photovoltaic systems), or purchasing green power. LJ joined SSV in 2008 with a goal of reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2010.

Following are steps LJ has pledged to take and some of our accomplishments:

• Installing an 86 kW solar energy system
• Installing energy-efficient lighting
• Purchasing renewable energy from Santa Clara Green Power (22 percent of total electricity usage)
• LJ's employees organized a "Green Team" that has been instrumental in establishing a recycle, reduce, reuse program

Silicon Valley Leadership Group

In July 2008, LJ Engineering and Manufacturing joined the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), organized to involve principal officers and senior managers of member companies in a cooperative effort with local, regional, state, and federal government officials to address major public policy issues affecting the economic health and quality of life in Silicon Valley.  It is SVLG’s vision to ensure the economic health and a high quality of life in Silicon Valley for our entire community by advocating for adequate affordable housing, comprehensive regional transportation, reliable energy, a quality K-12 and higher education system and prepared workforce, a sustainable environment, and business and tax policies that keep California and Silicon Valley competitive.