Continental Building Products Sets Sustainable Example With Community Solar

Continental Building Products is a leading manufacturer of gypsum drywall and complementary finishing products, recognized for its commitment to quality, innovation, and responsible business practices. With a focus on reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable construction, Continental has made sustainability a core part of its mission. Through ongoing initiatives aimed at energy efficiency, resource conservation, and community engagement, the company continues to set new standards for environmental stewardship in the building materials industry.

The Challenge

Extend Solar Energy to Surrounding Community

As Continental Building Products looked to further its sustainability goals, the company faced the challenge of maximizing its environmental impact while also creating value for the surrounding community. Traditional onsite solar projects typically benefit only the facility itself, but Continental wanted a solution that would extend the advantages of clean energy beyond its own operations. The company needed an approach that could deliver meaningful carbon reductions, support local residents with access to renewable energy, and reinforce its leadership in sustainable manufacturing.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Rooftop Community Solar Project That Benefits Both Continental & Local Residents

INSTALLATION TYPE

Rooftop Solar

INSTALLATION SIZE

2.4 MW

LOCATION

Buchanan, NY

ANNUAL ENERGY PRODUCTION

2.7 Million kWh

INCENTIVES

Community Solar Subscriber Agreement • NY-Sun Initiative

PowerFlex partnered with Continental Building Products to install a 2.4-megawatt (MW) rooftop community solar system at the company’s Buchanan, New York facility. This innovative project enables local residential subscribers to benefit from solar energy savings without the need to install their own PV systems. As the community solar host, Continental not only advances its own sustainability goals but also provides a highly visible example of environmental leadership in the region. By leveraging a community solar subscriber agreement, the company receives fixed hosting revenue while helping to avoid 4.3 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and 220,000 gallons of gasoline annually. This approach demonstrates how industrial facilities can extend the benefits of renewable energy to the broader community while supporting their own business objectives.

“When you look at an effort or project this size it takes everyone pitching in. Having PowerFlex who can actually help us navigate a lot of the different constituencies as to how we can go ahead and make this project become a reality was a huge help.”

Jay Bachmann

President and CEO, Continental Building Products