As part of its sustainability efforts to leave more handprints than footprints, Mohawk Group has partnered with the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) and SUNCATCH ENERGY to install a smartflower™ solar energy unit in Griffin, Ga. The smartflower technology was unveiled at a special ribbon-cutting event and reception earlier today at Griffin Region College and Career Academy (GRCCA).

The solar energy project—the first in Georgia that is part of the Mohawk Group initiative—is the third of 10 smartflowers to be established by the Georgia-based flooring manufacturer across the U.S. Other units have been installed in Chicago and Eden, N.C. Another will be unveiled later this week in Cocoa, Fla.

“We are honored that this portion of our handprinting initiative focuses specifically on helping schools with STEM programs to create exceptional education environments,” said David Dembowitz, senior vice president of education and government at Mohawk Group. “This program brings the benefits of solar power to our surrounding communities, creates strategic learning opportunities for students to become more familiar with solar power and sustainability and, ultimately, helps Mohawk in our corporate commitment to give back more than we take.”

Griffin Region College and Career Academy was chosen as the recipient of the smartflower unit through a special competition coordinated by Mohawk. The new solar energy unit will help to offset the power consumption and utilities costs at the school while also providing students with learning opportunities focused around alternative energy sources.

“The smartflower is a great asset to the campus of GRCCA for students who may be interested in pursuing a career in robotics, technology and environmental science,” said GSCS superintendent James D. Smith. “Additionally, students at our Elementary Enrichment Center will be able to take advantage of the smartflower through hands-on instruction about energy conservation and sustainability right in their backyard.”

The new smartflower unit now blooms just behind the school’s main building, which is adjacent to Orrs Elementary School and Southern Crescent Technical College.

The smartflower installation in Georgia is part of an ongoing social impact strategy for a selection of Living Product Challenge Petal certified flooring products within Mohawk Group’s larger portfolio. Each smartflower optimizes the generation of solar energy using modular petal-shaped panels that autonomously follow the sun throughout the day. The solar energy collaboration was created to reduce Mohawk’s greenhouse gas emissions and offset energy and resources used during some of its manufacturing processes.

About Mohawk Group
As the world’s leading producer and distributor of quality commercial flooring, Mohawk Group believes that better floor coverings emerge from better design, innovation, sustainability, project solutions and operational excellence. Mohawk Group addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in contract interiors with a comprehensive carpet and hard surface portfolio of all types and price points. As the commercial division of Mohawk Industries, the company has a heritage of craftsmanship that spans more than 130 years. To learn more about our full line of flooring products, please visit www.MohawkGroup.com.

About GSCS
The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) is an award-winning, AdvancED accredited district that serves 10,000 students in 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, one alternative high school and the Griffin Regional College and Career Academy. GSCS offers everything a child needs to nurture and grow academically, foster and sustain social-emotional development, with educators who collaborate using innovative instruction that engage students to succeed. For more information about GSCS, visit www.Spalding.k12.ga.us, follow us on Twitter at @GriffinSpalding, Instagram at @GriffinSpaldingSchools, visit www.facebook.com/GSCSS or download the GSCS app.