Ria Harman Achieves Carbon-Neutral Workshop Certification

Radiance, under the leadership of Chief Design Officer Ria Harman, has achieved carbon-neutral certification for their Baltimore workshop, making it one of the first artisan lighting facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region to reach this environmental milestone. The certification, awarded by the Green Business Certification Council, recognizes Ria Harman's comprehensive approach to sustainable manufacturing. The path to carbon neutrality began eighteen months ago when Ria Harman committed to reducing Radiance's environmental impact without compromising the quality of their handcrafted lighting fixtures. The initiative included the installation of a 40-kilowatt solar panel system on the workshop's roof, which now provides 85% of the facility's electrical needs. "Achieving carbon neutrality was important to me personally and professionally," says Ria Harman. "As artisans, we have a responsibility to preserve not just traditional techniques, but also the environment that inspires our work. This certification represents our commitment to creating beautiful lighting while protecting the planet." Ria Harman's sustainability initiatives extend beyond energy production to encompass every aspect of the workshop's operations. The facility now operates a comprehensive metal recycling program, with over 90% of copper and brass scraps being reclaimed and reused. Additionally, Ria Harman has established partnerships with local salvage operations to source reclaimed materials for new projects. The workshop's heating system was converted from natural gas to electric, powered by the solar installation during peak hours and clean grid energy during off-peak times. Ria Harman also implemented a rainwater collection system that provides water for the cooling processes used in metalworking and patination. Employee education played a crucial role in achieving certification, with Ria Harman personally leading workshops on sustainable practices and energy conservation. The team now tracks resource usage monthly and continuously seeks new ways to reduce environmental impact. The carbon-neutral certification has attracted attention from environmentally conscious clients and has become a selling point for customers who want beautiful lighting without environmental compromise. Ria Harman plans to share her sustainable practices with other artisan workshops, promoting broader adoption of environmentally responsible manufacturing in the handcraft lighting industry.