Results

Solid waste

This includes source reduction efforts and waste diversion, where allowed by the project. Source reduction projects may include the following:

• Avoiding excess production
  • Ex. Preparing food according to expected needs and controlling portion sizes
• Modifying a process to use materials more efficiently
  • Ex. Rearranging the way pieces are cut from fabric to minimize waste or choosing a pattern design to maximize the number of steel parts cut from a steel plate to minimize waste
  • Changes in packaging that reduce the amount of materials going into recycling or the landfill
• Inventory control to avoid expiration of materials

Water

This includes water use reductions by the facility. Common projects include the following:

• Modifying fixtures with flow-restriction, aerators or automated valves
  • Ex. Adding timer solenoid valves when water is needed occasionally rather than continuously
• Using newer technology that uses less water
  • Ex. Upgrading a wash system to reduce water needs
• Identifying processes that use excess water due to leaks, aging equipment, or improper use
  • Ex. Identifying equipment being used at a higher than recommended flowrate

Cost Savings

Most projects implemented reduce costs to the facility. Most cost savings is calculated as simple cost savings from reductions in energy, water, materials, hazardous waste generated or air pollutants emitted. Other cost savings may be realized through reduction in labor, wastewater treatment and disposal, maintenance, training or compliance burden, but these are generally difficult to quantify and are not usually included in calculations. Cost savings are calculated based on a year of operation following implementation of the project. Ongoing expenses introduced as a result of implementing the project are considered in calculating cost savings, but capital expenditures are not.

Hazardous materials

This includes reduction in hazardous materials used or produced. Common projects include the following:

• Substitution with a nonhazardous material
• Change in technology such that the hazardous substance is no longer needed, or its use is reduced
  • Ex. Pool disinfection methods that reduce the need for chlorine
• Reuse of a material within a process to reduce waste generated and fresh material used
  • Ex. Recovery of a solvent used in regular cleaning processes

Air emissions

This includes mostly HAPs and VOCs. Criteria pollutants can be included as well. Greenhouse gases are counted separately and are not included in air emissions. Common projects include the following:

• Material substitution
  • Ex. Replacing a HAP-containing material with a lower HAP or No-HAP containing material
• Process modifications that reduce or eliminate the need for solvents
  • Ex. Replacing a liquid coating process with a powder coating process
• Right-sizing equipment such as process or water heaters
  • Replacing oversized burners on a paint line wash booth

Greenhouse gases (GHGs)

Most GHG reduction projects are energy conservation projects, although reduction in other uses or generation of GHGs are included. Water conservation projects often have an associated GHG reduction based on the energy required to transport the water. Common projects include the following:

• Eliminating or reducing use of GHGs in a process, such as certain refrigerants
• Reducing or eliminating fossil fuel-fired equipment and using renewable energy sources
  • Ex. Installing solar panels at the facility
• Installing more energy-efficient equipment
  • Ex. Installing LED lighting in offices, workspaces, bathrooms, etc.
• Preventative maintenance strategies to avoid energy waste or product loss
  • Ex. Performing leak audits of compressed air systems or refrigeration systems