Energy-efficiency projects at Merrick Engineering Inc.'s Corona, Calif., headquarters plant have cut demand for 3.2 million kilowatt hours of energy and, in turn, eliminated the emission of 966 tons of greenhouse gases, the company said.
The projects included replacing four injection molding machines with two more-efficient presses, and two air compressors with one highly efficient unit, Merrick said. The firm makes tubular hangers and closet storage shelving accessories in Corona, as well as in Waco, Texas, and Clarksburg, W.Va.
``We continually work to achieve an environmentally sound workplace,'' Merrick President Abraham Abdi said in a statement. ``These energy-efficiency projects reduce our [greenhouse gas] footprint. Taking the extra step to report our emissions is a critical measure in setting a positive example within our industry.''
In February 2008, Merrick installed a ``more-efficient hybrid electric/hydraulic machine,'' an 880-ton Husky Hylectric that replaced two existing injection molding presses, said Mark Wallenrod, manager of SCE energy-efficient programs and operations. SCE is a subsidiary of electric company Edison International of Rosemead, Calif.
Merrick replaced two 40-horsepower air compressors with one unit in September 2007 and two other injection molding machines with one better press in July 2006, Wallenrod said.
The energy-efficiency investments and emission reductions qualified Merrick for participation in the Cool Planet Project under the environment-oriented Climate Registry, a North American nonprofit group, based in Los Angeles, that sets standards for reporting greenhouse gas emissions.
``SCE was the first utility in the U.S. to launch a program connecting energy efficiency and greenhouse gas,'' said Nancy Whelan, director of Climate Registry's North American energy-efficient program. ``Now, across the U.S., 10 other utilities are in various stages of replicating the model SCE created.'' The registry was formed in March 2007.
As an objective third party, Climate Registry provides tools to calculate, verify and publicly report the greenhouse gas footprint of an organization, and has links with programs in 40 U.S. states, 12 Canadian provinces and six Mexican states.
A utility customer achieving energy-efficiency savings of at least 1 million kwh qualifies for the Cool Planet Project and receives a complementary first-year membership to the Climate Registry.