PHOTO COURTESY OF RESOLUTION ENGINEERING Resolution Engineering designed translators (pictured) that allow different systems to work together. Existing transmitters and the batteries in them stay in place, which significantly reduces both waste and cost.

Resolution Engineering Inc., Hudson, Wis.,is a provider of RF/wireless and embedded systems design services, while sister company Resolution Products produces a wide range of common use and wireless security devices. Until recently, “green” qualities weren’t on the radar for these types of products, so today, Resolution Engineering is thrilled to see increased attention focused on sustainability. The company’s products, services and operations have incorporated sustainable attributes for years. John Bergman, one of the founders of the company, is the driving force behind the company’s sustainable practices. 

“One of the things we’re most proud of is the amount of electronic waste and batteries that we’ve diverted from landfills,” explains Bergman. Typically, changing security systems involves replacing sensors, transmitters and the batteries in them. Resolution Engineering designed translators (pictured) that allow different systems to work together. Existing transmitters and the batteries in them stay in place, which significantly reduces both waste and cost. “It helps dispel the myth that environmentally friendly solutions have to increase costs, “adds Bergman.  

Energy use is another important issue for the company and its clients. “Our job is to solve difficult engineering problems. Part of this work involves designing products to use the least possible energy to operate.”  In addition to reducing the environmental impact of the products, it significantly reduces the life-cycle cost of the product. 

This year, the company is taking its efforts to green its products a step further, by focusing on the material content of product components.  When possible, it hopes to replace chemical-based plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and petroleum-based materials like polyethylene with biobased polymers. As part of this effort, Bergman invested in Alpar Architectural Products, a company that makes building products from the construction industry’s first fire-rated biobased polymer. In addition to helping drive change in the construction industry, owning a portion of the company will allow him to offer the unique polymer compound to his customers.  “Until recently, there haven’t been viable alternatives to ‘traditional’ plastics for security-related products because of the requirements for fire-rated materials,” says Bergman, “We’re excited to be able to take sustainability to a new level for our clients.” 

Another way Resolution Engineering and Resolution Products minimize their environmental impact is their commitment to paperless operations. They’ve been paperless since their inception, six and two years ago respectively. According to Conservatree.org, one tree produces a little more than 16 reams of paper. “It’s hard to tell exactly, but if that estimate is correct, I suspect we’ve saved hundreds of trees.”  Bergman continues, “And like many of the other things we do to preserve the environment, a paperless office just made business sense.” 

Bergman’s commitment to the environment started at home. He incorporated geothermal heat, natural lighting and energy-saving appliances in his home. Taking this commitment to his company was a natural next step. “We understand that incorporating sustainability into the workplace is a process.  And, while we may not be perfect, we keep getting better and looking for ways we can have a positive impact on our industry and the environment.”