Shaw Industries has committed to building a co-generation, combined heat and power (CHP) plant, at its Columbia, S.C. fiber production facility. The electric power plant will provide electricity for the plant and utilize the waste/exhaust heat from a turbine to produce steam. This production will be enough to meet the entire steam demand of the plant and will replace the majority of electricity supplied by a utility company. With construction already underway, the power plant is expected to be operational by Q1 of 2018.

This increased efficiency of using a CHP system saves energy overall by using less fuel to provide the same amount of steam and electricity to the plant. Using less fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 26,000 metric tonnes per year and significantly reduces plant energy costs.

“Sustainability is an engine for innovation throughout our operations,” said Paul Murray, vice president of sustainability and environmental affairs. “This shift makes environmental and economic sense and is a long-term investment in the community and our associates, ensuring the site remains competitive and viable, supporting jobs and economic development in the community.”

For more information, visit shawinc.com.