On April 17, a team of Arvato employees stepped away from their usual work in supply chain management and e-commerce solutions to spend a day in hard hats and tool belts, helping the Espadas family of Ontario, California, gain access to clean, renewable energy.
As part of a corporate volunteer workday with GRID IE, Arvato volunteers joined GRID’s experienced construction team on-site to install a new rooftop solar system. This hands-on effort combined teamwork, technical learning, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
For those unfamiliar, Arvato is a leading global logistics and supply chain management company serving industries such as consumer products, technology, healthcare, automotive, and publishing. With more than 18,000 employees in 100 locations worldwide, Arvato partners with major brands to deliver efficient, technology-driven solutions and, as part of its corporate responsibility strategy, invests in environmental and social impact initiatives like this one.
Arvato volunteers on the rooftop.
The day began with a safety briefing and an overview of GRID IE’s mission to make renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. Volunteers quickly got to work, measuring, drilling, securing solar racking, and lifting panels into place. For many, it was their first experience working on a roof or directly with solar equipment, but with expert guidance, the team quickly gained confidence.
By the end of the day, the system was fully installed and ready to start generating clean power for the Espadas family. Over its lifetime, the solar array is projected to save them $15,517 in utility bills and prevent approximately 75.91 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. That’s the equivalent of removing 16 cars from the road for a year or planting 1,766 trees.
Arvato volunteers Sophia and Darcy.
“We are proud to support GRID IE’s mission of energy equity,” said Darcy Everett, Sustainability Manager at Arvato in the US. “This collaboration exemplifies how corporate responsibility and community action can work together to create long-lasting impact, both environmentally and economically. Seeing our team members work side-by-side with GRID staff to help a family in need was incredibly rewarding.”
Homeowner Jesus Espadas (right) with GRID IE's Outreach Coordinator Alfonso
The Espadas family, who qualified for GRID IE’s no-cost solar program, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team. The savings on electricity will help ease monthly financial burdens, while the environmental benefits contribute to a healthier future for the entire community.
Walker Woodard, GRID IE’s Development Manager, underscored the importance of corporate partnerships like this one: “The support provided by Arvato USA was essential to delivering meaningful benefits to a local family and the broader community. Their volunteerism helps us bring no-cost clean energy solutions to families who need them most. It also spreads awareness of the clean energy transition and inspires others to get involved.”
This event was part of GRID IE’s corporate workday program, which invites companies to fund and participate in solar installations throughout GRID IE's region of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Inyo counties. The program not only delivers economic relief to families but also offers hands-on education in renewable energy technology, helping to grow the region’s clean energy workforce.
Arvato volunteers with the completed solar system.
For the Arvato volunteers, the day ended with smiles, high-fives, and a shared sense of accomplishment. They left knowing that the system they helped build for the Espadas family will continue to generate financial, environmental, and educational benefits for years to come.