LIVERMORE, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2023) — Topcon Positioning Systems announces a series of new developments and initiatives as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts. First, the formation of a new global team dedicated to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been announced. It will be led by Michael Gomes as vice president of global sustainability and CSR. Much of his career with Topcon has been dedicated to the advancement of more sustainable agricultural practices. He will now lead a global team dedicated to sustainability for all markets and product lines, which will connect into Topcon’s parent organization, Topcon Corporation, in Japan to effectively support the corporation’s multiple divisions.
Topcon Research & Validation Center
Topcon’s dedication to sustainability is further demonstrated by the inauguration of a new 60-acre Research & Validation Center at its global headquarters in Livermore, California. The team has worked closely with Alameda County in the approval and development of this expansive, ecologically diverse location that will support the increasing needs for research and validation of new technologies.
The site was strategically planned in collaboration with students and faculty from the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The team employed a multidisciplinary approach, providing a site analysis with soil evaluations and recommended crops, maps for planting and additional site development recommendations.
This new facility joins global validation centers in Concordia, Italy, and Adelaide, Australia, all working on research and validation of innovative precision technologies. “Through these three centers, there is research and testing underway at Topcon, somewhere in the world, any time of day,” Gomes said.
TPS Global Headquarters Moves to Solar Power
Another recent initiative is the conversion to solar power for the Livermore campus. Initial planning began in October 2022, and the project is underway. Once the project is completed, the campus, including multiple buildings, manufacturing facilities and electric car charging stations, will be powered by solar energy.
“This is a great opportunity for us to reduce our Scope 2 emissions and energy costs,” Gomes said.
