MONA, UT – Houweling’s Group was honored for leading energy saving efforts by Utah Clean Energy, the Governor’s Office of Energy Development, and the University of Utah’s Intermountain Industrial Assessment Center. As part of Utah’s Energy Efficiency Challenge, supported by the United States Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, the company was recognized for its innovative efforts at saving energy and increasing sustainability.
“By implementing cost-effective energy upgrades, these businesses are reducing their operational costs, while also improving reliability and air quality along the Wasatch Front,” noted Dr. Laura Nelson, the Governor’s Energy Advisor and Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Energy Development, in a press release.
Houweling’s energy efficiency projects include a proprietary heat and CO2 capture system; using this system, the company diverts heat and CO2 that had previously been wasted from being released by neighboring power plant Rocky Mountain Power, and funnels that exhaust into Houweling’s energy building. The heat is used for the company’s on-demand heat requirements, and excess CO2 is added directly to Houweling’s greenhouse to promote plant fertilization and plant growth. The proprietary system replaced propane-fueled boilers that had supplied heat and CO2 to greenhouses.
Additionally, the company has installed state-of-the-art, energy-efficient technologies throughout the operation, including over 15,000 energy-efficient grow lights, 600 variable speed fan motors, and motion sensors to activate and shut off overhead lighting. Altogether, the company’s energy efficiency projects reduce on-site electricity consumption by nearly 12 million kilowatt hours annually.
“There is a huge potential among large companies in the state to save energy and reduce consumption of natural resources through investing in energy efficiency,” Kevin Emerson, Energy Efficiency Program Director for Utah Clean Energy, added. “In addition to realizing a great return on investment, energy efficiency projects also reduce pollution emitted from energy consumption.”
From us at AndNowUKnow, congratulations to Houweling’s on the occasion of its award, and kudos for all the good work making our industry more sustainable and our environment more livable.
