Plant Recognized for Energy-Leading Accomplishments

(WAUPACA, Wisconsin) May 6, 2024 — Waupaca Foundry Inc. was one of 14 companies nationwide recognized for its outstanding, industry-leading accomplishments in decarbonization, energy and water efficiency, or waste at an individual facility. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Better Building Initiative’s Better Plant recipients were announced at the annual Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit on April 3. This is Waupaca Foundry’s third time to receive this honor.

 Marco Gonzalez receives the 2023 Better Climate award. Left to right: Better Plants Technical Account Manager Paul Lemar and Waupaca Foundry Energy Manager Marco Gonzalez.

“Being recognized with the Department of Energy’s Better Plant Award underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Marco Gonzalez, Energy Manager, Waupaca Foundry. “This was a great job done by the electrical maintenance team and a good example that small projects can also have a big impact.”

The award was for Waupaca Foundry’s Plant 23 SMART Control System, an innovative ventilation management system designed to optimize energy use and improve workplace conditions. Waupaca Foundry has received this award three times: in 2020, 2022, and now in 2024.

 Plant 2/3 SMART Fan Control System

DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative partners with leaders in the public and private sectors to advance next-generation solutions, promote climate leadership, and support workforce development. “Since 2011, DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative has helped pave the way for cost-effective energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions across America’s building sector,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. 

The Better Plants program helps industrial organizations set and meet ambitious energy, water, waste, and carbon emission reduction targets. Over 250 Better Plants partners have saved energy, equivalent to over $9 billion in cost savings.

The U.S. spends about $800 billion yearly to power buildings, plants, and homes. On average, between 20% and 30% of the nation’s energy is wasted, presenting a significant opportunity to increase energy efficiency. Through the Better Buildings Initiative, DOE partners with public and private sector stakeholders to pursue ambitious portfolio-wide energy, waste, water, and/or emissions reduction goals and publicly share solutions. Energy efficiency gains can be achieved across broad segments of the nation’s economy by improving building design, materials, equipment, and operations. More than 900 Better Buildings partners have saved $18.5 billion in energy costs while sharing their innovative strategies. 

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