ATLANTA, May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At local dedication events held today in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Cox Enterprises announced the completion of solar projects at its Manheim and Cox Communications subsidiaries. Combined, the Manheim and Cox Communications solar installations annually prevent nearly 3,600 tons of carbon from entering the environment. The projects are part of Cox Conserves, the company's national sustainability program. Nationwide, Cox Enterprises' alternative energy projects annually prevent more than 21,000 tons of carbon from entering the environment.

Solar Installation, Wetlands Preservation and Educational Trail at Manheim New England
Located in North Dighton, Mass., the Manheim New England project includes a 3 megawatt ground mount installation and 509 kilowatt roof installation. Combined, these produce enough energy to annually power 400 homes and prevent 3,005 tons of carbon from entering the environment. The roof system provides 29 percent of the wholesale vehicle auction's energy requirements.

The 3 megawatt ground mount system is comprised of more than 10,000 solar panels and was created through an agreement with Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP). The clean energy produced goes directly to serve the community.

"We are proud to be the site of one of the largest solar installations to date in the area," said Tim Hoegler, general manager for Manheim New England. "This project demonstrates to our employees, customers and our community that we are committed to conservation and doing our part to protect the environment."

An additional environmental benefit is the preservation of wetlands. During construction, the solar panels were divided into groups around 28 acres of existing wetlands. A solar power trail was constructed throughout the installation that includes educational signage on the importance of conservation and alternative energy.

Solar Installation, Energy Savings and Recycling at Cox Communications Northeast Region
Cox Communications completed a 181 kilowatt roof installation in Warwick, R.I. and a 500 kilowatt ground mount installation in Portsmouth, R.I. Combined, these projects annually prevent 573 tons of carbon from entering the environment and generate enough energy to power 77 average-sized homes. Through a partnership with National Grid, 100 percent of the clean energy generated will be used to serve the community.

"Cox Communications is dedicated to reducing our company-wide carbon footprint," said John Wolfe, senior vice president and general manager of Cox Communications Northeast. "Solar power is a natural step for us to add to our eco-friendly business practices, which include recycling everything from our 100% compostable and recyclable serving trays in our employee cafeteria to the fuel-efficient vehicles that you pass on the roadway."

In addition to the solar installations, Cox Communications has several sustainability initiatives throughout its Northeast Region operations in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Cleveland. Advanced lighting, boiler and HVAC control systems, as well as the use of Dyson airblades in the restrooms create significant energy savings. The region also created a full-circle recycling and composting program that recycles or composts all paper, cardboard, plastics and food products that pass through its cafeteria, which serves more than 625 meals per day. The plates, trays and cups used in its cafeteria are made of 100 percent recycled fiber and are fully compostable - even the coffee is "green." The food scraps and materials are turned into fertilizer and used on the company's grounds.

This location was recently awarded the Cox Conserves Chairman's Cup, a company-wide program that recognizes its regional locations for implementing sustainable business practices.

Cox Enterprises has also completed alternative energy projects in Ariz., Calif., Ga., Hawaii, Md., Mo., N.J., Ore., Tenn. and Texas.

About Cox Conserves:
With revenues of more than $15 billion, Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader.com) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 50,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

About Manheim:
Manheim is the world's leading provider of vehicle remarketing services and data intelligence. With more than 100 locations around the globe, Manheim provides consulting services, industry reports, financial services, customer support and educational offerings, helping customers compete efficiently and effectively in today's used-vehicle marketplace. In 2012, Manheim handled nearly 8 million used vehicles, facilitating transactions worth more than $50 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company.

About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity eight times, including the last seven years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol y www.coxmedia.com.

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SOURCE Cox Enterprises