How to be an ENERGY STAR®
BY AsphaltPro Staff
Read the article this piece originally ran alongside in print here: “O&G Installs Solar Array for Quarry, Plant Operations.”
The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® industrial program to develop a sector-specific program to help asphalt mix producers manage and reduce energy consumption at asphalt plants. Joseph Shacat, the director of sustainable pavements at NAPA, shared: “Through the program, which is currently in the pilot phase, a small group of companies has been participating in peer group meetings to exchange information on best practices for energy management. NAPA has hosted several ENERGY STAR educational webinars, recordings of which are available to download for free through NAPA’s online store. An energy guide for asphalt plants is under development.”
Melissa Hulting, of U.S. EPA Region 5, explained: “We are drafting an asphalt mix plant energy guide using existing NAPA guidance materials as a starting point, which will include an Energy Treasure Map that will list different actions that plants can take. The pilot group will provide input on the guide.”
The treasure map is linked to a concept EPA calls “A Treasure Hunt.” Hulting described it for readers.
“A Treasure Hunt is a one- to three-day event where teams walk around a facility looking for ways to save energy, with a focus on no- or low-cost actions (though Treasure Hunts can also reveal opportunities for equipment replacements, etc.). These quick fixes can add up. Some organizations have used Treasure Hunts to reduce their facilities’ energy use by up to 15 percent.
“For asphalt mix plants, such fixes could include checking for and repairing compressed air leaks, insulating hot oil lines, and managing aggregate pile moisture.”
“ENERGY STAR provides a great framework for industrial facilities like asphalt plants to manage and reduce their energy consumption,” Shacat said. “They also bring highly competent professionals to the table who can help companies develop and improve their energy management programs.”
“The goal is to work with the asphalt pavement producers to improve energy efficiency in the sector and complement NAPA’s existing sustainability efforts,” Hulting said. “We want to leverage ENERGY STAR’s existing tools and the expertise of NAPA and the participants to help the sector as a whole.”
For information on becoming an ENERGY STAR industry partner, visit:
https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/about-us/become-energy-star-partner
For information on the treasure hunt, visit: https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/about-us/campaigns/treasure_hunt
A generic treasure map for manufacturing facilities currently exists here: https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/tools-and-resources/energy_treasure_map_manufacturing_plants