Imagine supporting the field of health care with what you do and positively impacting the environment with how you do it. That is what’s happening at Middleton-based Standard Imaging. A worldwide supplier of quality assurance (QA) and measurement instruments for radiation-based treatments, the company is committed to environmental sustainability. 

“Making responsible choices regarding clean air and a healthy environment has been ingrained in our culture from the beginning of our company more than 30 years ago,” said Ed Neumueller, CEO. Standard Imaging’s precision-made products are designed, manufactured and tested at the company’s Middleton facility.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of each decision we make related to those processes and the space in which we work,” explained Neumueller. “It is rewarding to know that the products we sell to hospitals, clinics, universities and research centers come from a sustainable place.” 

Geothermal technology 

Standard Imaging’s current 38,000-square-foot headquarters was built in 2007. It is home to a geothermal heating and cooling system. This unit works by moving temperature-conducting fluid through loops of 150-foot-deep underground pipes. The fluid collects energy maintained at a constant temperature in the earth. The heat or cool temperature from this liquid is circulated back into various heat pumps that are distributed throughout the facility.

In summer, the heat pump takes the cool temperature from the fluid and transfers it to the air-handling systems in the building. In winter, the same process occurs except the heat pumps extract heat from the fluid. 

“The geothermal HVAC system effectively heats and cools our entire facility while optimizing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts,” said Neumueller. “It has been performing well since it was installed during our building construction 15 years ago.” 

Solar power and more 

In addition to on-site solar, the company participates in MGE’s Shared Solar program, purchasing locally generated solar energy from MGE’s 5-megawatt solar array located nearby at the Middleton Municipal Airport. 

The company’s participation in MGE’s Shared Solar program and the company’s on-site solar reduce Standard Imaging’s emissions by an estimated 27% annually, eliminating about 200,000 pounds of carbon. 

Standard Imaging also participates in MGE’s Green Power Tomorrow program, which offers customers the option to purchase electricity generated by MGE’s wind and solar resources for a penny more per kilowatt-hour. Standard Imaging purchases green power equivalent to 10% of its electric use. 

“Green Power Tomorrow has been a good addition to our mix,” said Neumueller. “We may increase our program participation in the future as we continue to evaluate our environmental performance.” 

The company’s efforts are recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through its Green Tier program. This voluntary program recognizes companies for their superior environmental performance. 

“Standard Imaging is proud to be a Tier 1 participant in Green Tier,” said Neumueller. “This validates our environmental management system efforts and supports our goal to be a good corporate citizen in the U.S. as well as the rest of the world.” 

What’s next? 

Standard Imaging continues to look for opportunities to make improvements. Management meets quarterly to review metrics. They also stay current on the latest technologies and take note of strategies others are implementing. 

“Just as we are a leader in medical physics, we are dedicated to continuing as a leader in environmental sustainability,” said Neumueller. 

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