Saint-Gobain North America, through its Ceramics division, has achieved net-zero carbon manufacturing (scopes 1 and 2) at its Surface Conditioning facility in Anaheim, Calif., reducing CO2 emissions by 80 tons compared to 2022 levels. Through this project, the Anaheim facility has been able to eliminate the use of natural gas at the facility and is now powered completely by electricity covered by Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).
In operation since 1990, the Anaheim plant manufactures coolants, lubricants, abrasive slurries, cleaners and specialty fluids for use in a wide variety of industries. The facility has historically operated using only two energy sources, electricity and natural gas to power a water heater. As part of the project, the old water heater was replaced by an electric version, eliminating the need for natural gas and making the plant net-zero from a scope 2 perspective. As the site’s electricity supplier could not guarantee a renewable energy supply, the team in Anaheim executed the purchase of RECs to cover its electricity use and achieve net-zero for scope 1 emissions.
“As a company committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, each plant must take the initiative and action to reach these goals,” said Jeff Mydlarz, Vice President of Saint-Gobain Specialty Grains and Powders. “I congratulate the Anaheim plant for their dedication to sustainability. Their work truly embodies our purpose- Making the World a Better Home.”
Following this milestone on scope 1 and 2 emissions, the Anaheim plant has continued to work to help forward the company’s sustainability goals by working with its suppliers to reduce emissions and the facility’s scope 3 emissions.
The project is part of the company’s successful execution of its global Grow and Impact strategy, which includes ambitious environmental sustainability goals, such as reducing the company’s consumption of energy and water and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
This project follows several other recent actions taken by the company to solidify its commitment towards sustainability:
- In August, Saint-Gobain enhanced operational practices at its glass mat plant in Charleston, South Carolina, saving over 4,500 MWh of energy.
- In July, Saint-Gobain announced that it will save over 10 million gallons of water per year through the installation of smart water submetering systems and other equipment upgrades at its CertainTeed Siding facility in Jackson, Michigan.
- In April, Saint-Gobain achieved Core Living Building Ready designation from the International Living Future Institute for its CertainTeed Innovation Center in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
- In March, Saint-Gobain announced that its CertainTeed Siding business had reduced manufacturing related emissions by 96% at three facilities in the United States.
- In February, Saint-Gobain completed the installation of a heat recovery system at its gypsum facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, which will lead to a 15% reduction in Scope 1 carbon emissions.
Saint-Gobain Specialty Grains and Powders department internationally designs, produces and distributes technical ceramic grains, powders, suspensions and chemicals, as well as thermal spray equipment for a wide range of industries: abrasives, aerospace, automobile, energy, semiconductors, metallurgy, and more.