Beyond Modatek
At home, von Knobloch is equally committed to sustainability. He’s installed an extensive rainwater system made up of four massive water tanks on the side of his house in Kitchener, Ontario. The renewable system collects nearly 1,000 gallons of rainwater for his native wildflower, butterfly and bee-pollinator gardens.
“I’m proud to say I never have to turn on a hose,” he said.
Since winning the IESO-CIPEC award, von Knobloch has been contacted by other organizations, such as hospitals and school boards, to share best practices.
“The energy-saving initiatives we’re implementing at Magna can be used in multiple organizations,” he said. “If a school board can reduce heating costs by 20%, the money could be used to ensure children are getting the best education. It’s all about sharing ideas to ultimately help the planet.”
He adds: “For someone like me, with an engineering and manufacturing background, it’s exciting to think that what we do at Magna can impact the greater good everywhere.”