Pharmavite – Colin Taylor – 2017

Goals

Leading global manufacturer of dietary supplements, Pharmavite, was already in the process of identifying opportunities for cost savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Building off the work of last year’s fellow, EDF Climate Corps fellow Colin Taylor was hired to continue identifying energy efficiency projects, as well as evaluating both the financial returns and environmental impact. 

Solutions

Taylor worked to identify opportunities for further reducing the facility’s energy expense. But, due to low electricity and gas prices, a lack of utility incentives for energy efficiency and a relatively new LEED-certified facility that had already made significant investments in efficiency, it was challenging to solidify energy efficiency investments. Filling this void, Taylor identified and recommended a set of projects, including additional insulation on hot water and corn syrup tanks, a new variable speed air compressor, steam system improvements, and LED exterior lighting.

Taylor also proposed that the company join the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge, and calculate energy intensity baselines for all of its manufacturing facilities according to the Better Plants methodology.

Potential Impact

The recommended energy efficiency projects have the potential to save 2,829,264 kilowatt hours, equivalent to 778 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Pharmavite’s participation in the Better Plants Challenge will provide the company with Department of Energy tools and training, helping the company continue to identify and implement deeper energy savings projects.