Pratt & Whitney Achieves Reduction in Carbon Emissions
Pratt & Whitney achieved a 17% reduction in carbon emissions from their 2001 baseline as a participant in both the Governor’s Carbon Challenge and STEP-UP programs. This measure already exceeds their 10% reduction goal set for 2010. Pratt & Whitney has committed itself to environmental performance and compliance and has also achieved reductions in solid waste (30%) and water discharge (45%) as a STEP-UP participant. The North Berwick facility manufactures aerospace engine parts and employs more than 1,600 people. It is one of the largest manufacturing facilities in Maine.
To accomplish their greenhouse gas reductions, Pratt & Whitney has on-going program measures including: a comprehensive compressed-air leak detection program, redirection of wash water to the publicly owned water treatment facility instead of evaporation, machine shut-off program, and replacement of 1,500 lighting fixtures with more efficient models and motion sensors for lighting. Future reductions may be expected including: consolidation of cooling towers to reduce overall energy consumption, evaluating improved efficiency from boiler consolidation and conducting a feasibility study regarding cogeneration. And, the company is investigating wind and solar energy alternatives. Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager, Tom LeBlond, says “Our successes reported in the Governor’s Carbon Challenge and STEP-UP programs are accomplished by our ACE (Achieving Competitive Excellence) operating system. ACE allows us to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and environmental stewardship.”
The Governor’s Carbon Challenge is a voluntary goal-setting program to assist businesses and non-profit organizations accomplish their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Both the Governor’s Carbon Challenge and STEP-UP programs are operated out of the Department’s Office of Innovation.
