Dalton, Ga. and Columbia, S.C.—Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw) has completed the construction of a cogeneration Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant at its Columbia, S.C., fiber production facility. The CHP, which began operating in May 2018, will reduce the plant’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 26,000 metric tonnes; that’s an impact equal to removing almost 5,500 passenger vehicles from the road each year.
This is the latest in ongoing investments Shaw is making to minimize its environmental footprint. The company recently announced it has achieved carbon neutrality in its commercial carpet manufacturing operations. Companywide, Shaw has made significant investments to help reduce its energy and greenhouse gas impact. As a result, Shaw’s greenhouse gas emissions have decreased approximately 25% compared to 2010—with a target of reducing both the amount of energy the company uses and the amount of GHG emissions it produces by 40% by 2030 (per pound of finished product).
“Climate change is a complex, global issue,” said Troy Virgo, director of sustainability and product stewardship at Shaw. “While no one company or individual can tackle this challenge alone, as a globally oriented company, we have a responsibility to positively contribute to the solution. The Combined Heat and Power Plant exemplifies one of many ways we are doing our part to have a positive impact on the world we all share.”
The result: Less fuel is used to provide the same amount of steam and electricity to the plant, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The plant will realize reduced energy costs as well.
The addition of the CHP to Shaw’s operations is all part of Shaw’s carbon strategy, which systematically focused on:
- Reducing energy demand and improving energy efficiency
- Investing in renewable energy generation
- Measuring and reporting progress with a goal toward continuous improvement
This carbon strategy is part of Shaw’s broader sustainability strategy, which focuses on products, the environment and people in Shaw’s quest to create a better future. “Sustainability challenges us to challenge ourselves,” said Virgo. “The effort matters because people matter.”