Topcon Positioning Systems has engaged in a series of new developments and initiatives as part of ongoing sustainability efforts, including the formation of a new global team and the inauguration of a new research and validation centre.
Focused on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, the new team will be led by Michael Gomes, vice president of Global Sustainability and CSR. For much of his career with Topcon, Gomes has been focused on advancing more sustainable agricultural practices, and he will now lead a global team dedicated to sustainability for all markets and product lines.
"Sustainability has long been a part of the fabric of Topcon and is something we take very seriously as we take actions to support our global initiatives," said Gomes. "As we look ahead, we'll endeavor to support, at every level, the advancement of the industries and communities we serve. The work we do is modeled on the sustainable development goals adopted at the United Nations Summit in 2015 and has been part of Topcon's vision statement since 2016."
A new 60-acre Research & Validation Center at Topcon's global headquarters in Livermore, California, is another dedication to sustainability. Topcon worked with the local county in the approval and development of the expansive, ecologically diverse location that will support the increasing needs for research and validation of new technologies.
Topcon collaborated with students and faculty from the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to plan the site strategically. The team used a multi-disciplinary approach, which provided a site analysis with soil evaluations and recommended crops, maps for planting, and additional site development recommendations.
Other global validation centres are located in Italy and Australia.
In addition, Topcon is converting its Livermore campus to solar power. Initial planning began in October, 2022, and continues today. Once the project is completed, the campus, including multiple buildings, manufacturing facilities, and electric car charging stations, will be powered by solar energy.
