Industrial
Nationwide, industries generate approximately 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The vast majority come from energy use, but about 5% are waste gases from industrial processes, like the chemical transformation of raw materials. Here in West Chester, more than half of all greenhouse gas pollution comes from our combined commercial district/industrial sector.
There is consensus among industry leaders nationwide that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is not only a smart business decision, but an essential one. For industry, the issue has moved beyond scientific debate, because the market is beginning to force change. Industries that ignore changing market signals, they say, risk being left behind.
Cinergy, a leading diversified energy company, notes six "signposts" they say point to this new market driver:
Cinergy Signposts
- #1: States are taking action.
- #2: An increasing number of U.S. senators are expressing concern about global warming.
- #3: The Kyoto Protocol was ratified and became law on February 16, 2005.
- #4: A growing number of shareholder groups are asking companies to quantify the risks associated with GHG emissions.
- #5: CO2 and GHG emissions trading markets are developing in Europe and the United States.
- #6: Global warming is becoming part of our everyday consciousness.
Source: Getting Ahead of the Curve: Corporate Strategies that Reduce Climate Change. Pew Center on Global Climate Change.
Other market factors pointing to the need to reduce greenhouse gas pollution include:
Importantly, many industry leaders know that market changes, while challenging, present opportunity. Prudent steps taken now to address climate change and create cleaner, more efficient products that consumers want can improve a company’s competitive position and enable companies to show customers that they are "going green."
(This section adapted from: Getting Ahead of the Curve: Corporate Strategies that Reduce Climate Change, Pew Center on Global Climate Change)
For the full report, go to: pewclimate.org
Additional source: EPA Climate Change Download (pdf)
What You Can Do
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, industry can begin by taking these measures:
- 1. Improve the Energy Efficiency of your Routine Operations.
- Unless your warehouses, offices and other buildings are already built or retrofitted to high-efficiency standards, there are likely things you can do to reduce utility costs now—and save money. Improving the efficiency of the building envelope (insulation, windows, roofing) and lighting systems, reducing energy used by computer/IT systems, installing zoned climate controls, and reducing water consumption cut CO2 emissions and pay off in lower utility costs. The Environmental Protection Agency offers free on-line tools for evaluating how and where you can make these kinds of changes. It's called the ENERGY STAR Program for Corporate Real Estate. Their Portfolio Manager tool, in particular, helps you evaluate the energy efficiency of your buildings. They also offer on-line training sessions, and the entire program is free of charge.
- 2. Improve the Efficiency of Production Processes.
- Since energy use and production often go hand in hand, you may be concerned that reducing energy consumption in the production process will make productivity suffer. This is not necessarily so, however, because energy efficiency actually boosts productivity. An expert audit can show you how to improve the efficiency of your production processes, while increasing productivity and reducing pollution.
- • The University of Delaware Industrial Assessment Center provides energy, waste and productivity assessments at no charge to small and mid-sized manufacturers in the mid-Atlantic region as part of a partnership with the US Department of Energy. On average, they save manufacturers $55,000 a year. Download flyer here.
- • The Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program also offers free assessment tools and training for industrial operations. For more information, click here.
- • The US Department of Energy also offers tremendous tools for industries, including the "Quick Plant Energy Profiler," an online software tool that helps industrial plant personnel quickly understand how energy is being used at their plant and how you might save energy and money. In addition, the Department also offers "Best Practices" publications that keep you abreast of emerging technologies—like those that can help you recover waste heat from your steam system, gauge the market potential of efficient motors, and much more.
- Click here to go to the USDOE site.
- • The University of Delaware Industrial Assessment Center provides energy, waste and productivity assessments at no charge to small and mid-sized manufacturers in the mid-Atlantic region as part of a partnership with the US Department of Energy. On average, they save manufacturers $55,000 a year. Download flyer here.
- 3. Convert to Cleaner, Alternative Energy Sources.
- You can buy wind power in blocks of kilowatt-hours. Doing so increases demand for better, cleaner and renewable energy sources and sends a clear signal to the utilities. For more information on wind power, see these websites:
- PECO Wind Power for Businesses:
- Community Energy, wind power marketer.
- And if you’re building a new facility, consider geothermal energy. Users, including Radnor School District, have information to show that geothermal energy pays off. For more information click here.
- For a testimonial (pdf): Leo Bernabei, Facilities Director, Radnor Township School District
Focussed Actions
BLUER has compiled a list of specific actions that these groups in our community can take: