Case Study: Solar Thermal at Colgate-Palmolive Factory

To advance their decarbonization goals, RTC Member Colgate-Palmolive installed a solar thermal system, built by RTC Solutions Provider Absolicon, on the roof of a home goods manufacturing facility in Athens, Greece. After considering other renewable options, Colgate chose solar thermal because it integrates with their existing system, could be installed without pausing production, provides a stable energy source, requires minimal space, and has a short payback period.

The project shows how renewable thermal installations can be a win for both decarbonization and financial objectives. The system’s installation avoids 39 tons of Scope 1 emissions each year, contributing to Colgate’s 2025 Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy and 2022 Climate Transition & Net Zero Action Plan. The project also resulted in net cost savings, with a short project payback period and a double-digit rate of return.

The RTC’s case study on the project highlights:

  • The project and its outcomes
  • Industrial solar thermal technology
  • Integration with other technologies such as heat recovery
  • Colgate-Palmolive’s decarbonization commitment
  • Lessons learned
  • Next steps for interested buyers
On May 9, 2024, the RTC held a webinar exploring the case study. Watch the recording to hear from Absolicon’s Joakim Byström and Colgate-Palmolive’s DJ D’Agostino and Gurpreet Singh discuss the project, lessons learned, and next steps.

Fill out the form to download the case study:

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