At Lexmark, sustainability is a core value woven into the fabric of our operations and culture. This Earth Day, we're honoring a figure central to our sustainability journey — our late chief sustainability officer.
Starting April 22, the 2-megawatt solar array at our Lexington, Ky., global headquarters will be known as the John D. Gagel Solar Array.
A testament to Gagel's vision and commitment, the Lexmark solar array — the largest ground-mounted corporate array in Kentucky, according to state officials — serves as more than just a source of renewable energy. It is a vibrant symbol of his passion to integrate sustainability into everything we do.
View remembrance video
A decade-long dream realized
For more than a decade, Gagel championed the idea of harnessing the sun's power to reduce Lexmark's environmental footprint. Ground was broken on the array in April 2022 in a ceremony led by Gagel, along with state and local leaders.
Building the array wasn't easy — it was met with many logistical hurdles and regulatory approvals — but Gagel knew it was a worthwhile investment. Not only was he persistent, but he took a holistic approach for this project, which led to the creation of a pollinator habitat beneath the panels, complete with beehives that produce Lexmark's very own honey.
The array officially became operational in November 2023. Gagel died suddenly in October 2024.
Early impact by the numbers
In just over a year of operation, the John D. Gagel Solar Array has made a significant impact:
- Energy generation: The array has generated about 3 million kilowatt hours (kWh). This amount of energy equates to 2,397 metric tons of carbon dioxide, saving the energy needed to heat or cool 296 homes for a year.
- Cost savings: The array has saved Lexmark about 13% in annual energy costs at the Lexington site.
Ensuring Gagel's vision continues to thrive, the solar array is also contributing toward two of Lexmark's significant sustainability goals:
- Increasing our annual sourcing of renewable energy (Scope 2), including on-site generated solar energy and procurement of Renewable Energy Certificates, to 80% by this year and 100% by 2030.
- Becoming carbon neutral across our global operations by 2035.
A community impact
Beyond the numbers, the John D. Gagel Solar Array has also had a positive impact on our community. When we completed installation of the solar array, there were no large corporate solar arrays in the Lexington area. Since then, we've welcomed students and community members for tours, showcasing the power of renewable energy and inspiring others to act.
"Lexmark's vision to take a brownfield and turn it into a renewable energy facility shows how Kentucky businesses and manufacturers can lead in sustainability, integrate into the community and be a showcase for energy education," said Kenya Stump, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy in the state Energy and Environment Cabinet.
A legacy of kindness and collaboration
This Earth Day, Lexmark employees gathered with Gagel's family and friends for a private ceremony to dedicate the solar array in his honor. The event included the unveiling of a plaque bearing an African proverb that embodies Gagel's collaborative spirit: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."
"John was a thoughtful person who believed in the power of teamwork," said Gagel's longtime colleague Lee Ann Disponett, Lexmark's manager of Corporate Sustainability and Environmental, Health and Safety. "He befriended everyone he worked with on his sustainability journey, and he truly worked to make the world around him a better place than he found it."
A lasting vision that fuels the future
Gagel's vision extends beyond Lexington. We're proud to announce that a new 0.5-megawatt solar array is planned for our site in Juárez, Mexico, with groundbreaking expected in the coming weeks. Inspired by Gagel's leadership, this project will further reduce our global carbon footprint and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability across our operations.
We celebrate Gagel's remarkable legacy and his unwavering commitment to sustainability. The John D. Gagel Solar Array stands as a powerful symbol of his vision, inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible and to work together to create a more sustainable future.
Consider planting a tree in Gagel's honor.
Click here to learn more about his legacy, Lexmark's award-winning sustainability program.