P2 Industry Newsletter – May 2025
Bringing you the latest trends, success stories, and actionable insights to help businesses reduce waste, save costs, and protect the environment.
Note from the Editor
Dear readers,
As we move into the summer months, our calendar is packed with exciting opportunities for industry professionals across North Carolina. From energy efficiency courses to pollution prevention and sustainability workshops, we’ll be hosting multiple events statewide designed to support manufacturers in improving operations and sustainability efforts.
In this edition, we spotlight a new case study from a company that recently received a technical assessment through our Pollution Prevention (P2) program. You’ll also find actionable P2 tips to enhance efficiency, updates on relevant industry news, and, at the end of the newsletter, a full list of upcoming events and technical courses you won’t want to miss.
We hope you find this issue informative and inspiring!
Marly Irby, PhD
Environmental Specialist – Pollution Prevention
Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering
East Carolina University
Did You Know?
What’s the value of an energy audit?
Energy professionals use infrared cameras to detect air leaks and drafts in buildings and around equipment. These thermal images use color to highlight areas of energy loss, making it easier to pinpoint inefficiencies and improve overall energy performance.
An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of a facility’s energy use, aiming to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and cut costs. By examining energy flows, equipment performance, and utility data, energy audits uncover actionable strategies for improvement, often with a short payback period.
Energy audits can range from basic walkthroughs to detailed analyses that use advanced tools and sensors. Each level provides tailored insights, from low-cost upgrades like lighting retrofits to deeper system optimizations involving HVAC, motors, or compressed air systems.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy audits can result in:
- Energy Savings: Facilities often reduce energy use by 5–30% after implementing audit recommendations.
- Cost Reduction: Lower utility bills free up capital for other sustainability or business initiatives.
- Improved Equipment Performance: Identifying inefficiencies helps extend the life of machinery and reduce maintenance costs.
- Sustainability Gains: Reducing energy consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions, helping meet environmental goals.
- Employee Comfort: Optimized systems improve lighting, air quality, and temperature control.
A Success Story
Grifols Therapeutics Improves Boiler Efficiency and Cuts Emissions
In Clayton, NC, Grifols Therapeutics, an international biopharmaceutical company partnered with East Carolina University’s Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering (CSE3) and Waste Reduction Partners (WRP) to green their operations during a facility renovation. With support from the U.S. EPA P2 program, the team conducted an on-site energy assessment targeting boiler efficiency.
The recommendation: Perform annual tune-ups on their two large natural gas-fired boilers to address combustion inefficiencies and cut operational costs.
Cost & Environmental Savings
- Energy savings: $14,516 annually
- Investment cost: $3,000/year (2 boilers)
- Payback period: ~5 months
- Emissions reduced: 68 MTCO₂e/year from boilers
- Additional upgrades: LED lighting, occupancy sensors, cooling tower retrofits
- Total emissions saved: 263 MTCO₂e/year
Grifols’ commitment to energy efficiency has resulted in significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint, proving that even simple operational changes can make a big impact.
Pollution Prevention Tip of the Month
Seal the Leaks: Compressed Air System Maintenance Saves Money and Energy
Compressed air systems are critical to many industrial operations, but did you know they’re also one of the most energy-intensive and waste-prone systems in a facility? On average, 20–30% of compressed air is lost to leaks, driving up energy costs and reducing system efficiency.
Key Benefits of Leak Detection and Repair:
- Energy Savings: Repairing leaks can reduce electricity use by up to 20%.
- Cost Reduction: Facilities can save thousands annually just by fixing common leaks in valves, fittings, and couplings.
- System Reliability: A well-maintained system reduces downtime and extends equipment life.
- Quieter, Safer Workspaces: Eliminating high-pitched air leaks improves safety and reduces noise pollution.
Simple maintenance strategies, like using ultrasonic leak detectors, tightening connections, and scheduling regular inspections can go a long way in preventing pollution and saving money.
Professional Insight
Jacob Zino, CSE3 Research Assistant
Jacob Zino, Research Assistant at ECU CSE3
This month, we caught up with Jacob Zino, Research Assistant at CSE3. Here’s what he had to say about his time with CSE3:
I have spent the last 2.5 years here at CSE3, and it has been so rewarding. In my time here, I have gained experience in professional communication, creating reports, and conducting energy audits for local companies. This role has strengthened my ability to analyze data, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to sustainability efforts, all of which have prepared me for future challenges and growth.
News & Updates
Clean Energy Milestone in NC: Boviet Solar Opens Greenville Factory
Boviet Solar has officially opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Greenville, NC, a $294 million investment that marks one of the largest clean energy manufacturing projects in the state. The facility will produce high-performance solar modules for residential to utility-scale use, and is expected to generate over 1,300 direct jobs as it expands.
This development boosts local economies, supports the transition to a low-carbon energy future, and strengthens domestic clean tech supply chains.
New Food Waste-to-Energy Facility in NC Signals Shift Toward Circular Manufacturing
On April 30, 2025 ‘Stop Food Waste Day’ Divert, Inc. broke ground on its new Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Lexington, NC. The plant will process up to 100,000 tons of unsold food annually, converting it into carbon-negative renewable energy and soil-enhancing products.
Key takeaways for manufacturers:
- End-to-end waste solutions are scaling: Divert’s model combines real-time waste tracking, food donation logistics, and energy generation, offering a blueprint for decarbonizing food-related supply chains. This is an unordered list.
- Backed by $90M in private investment from Nuveen, the project reflects growing financial confidence in circular economy infrastructure.
- The facility supports logistics efficiency by serving retailers, warehouses, and production sites across the Southeast U.S.
- Expected to create 60 local jobs, the project illustrates how sustainability and economic development can go hand-in-hand.
As more facilities like this emerge, manufacturers should explore partnerships or integrate similar solutions to reduce landfill waste, cut emissions, and strengthen their ESG strategies.
Upcoming Events
P2 and Sustainability in Manufacturing Workshop (Sanford, NC)
Attention Professionals! CSE3, in partnership with the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, is hosting an exciting workshop this summer!
June 3rd | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Venue: Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, Room 111. Address: 1801 Nash St, Sanford, NC 27330.
Don’t miss this workshop designed exclusively for professionals in the manufacturing sector. Come spend the morning learning, engaging, and networking with others in your industry! Bonus: The first 20 people to register will receive a free gift card! Lunch is provided for all registered attendees. This event is free to attend.
Registration for this event has passed
June is Heating Up with 4 Technical Courses You Don’t Want to Miss!
This summer, take your professional development to the next level! We’re offering four in-person technical courses in North Carolina (two in Greenville and two in Sanford) covering key topics in industrial energy efficiency, HVAC systems, and compressed air.
Greenville | Isley Innovation Hub at East Carolina University (Room 167)
Address: 1000 Wright Cir, Greenville, NC 27858 / Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructor: Dr. Ethan Languri. Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Director of the Industrial Assessment Center at Tennessee Tech University
June 5 – Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement
This course focuses on life cycle analysis for energy efficiency project. A range of case studies from manufacturing facilities will be presented to provide deeper understanding of the economic dynamics of energy efficiency initiatives and their long-term financial impact. Real-world examples will offer practical insights into the application of LCCA, addressing key considerations such as investment decisions, operational factors, and maintenance costs.
Registration for this event has passed
June 6 – Industrial HVAC Energy Efficiency Improvement
This in-person training course covers industrial HVAC energy efficiency improvement and cost reduction strategies for manufacturing facilities. Topics include HVAC system fundamentals, energy-savings opportunities, motor and belt-driven systems, indoor air quality, air-side economizers, and free cooling. Participants will also explore variable frequency drives, variable refrigerant flow systems, and heat pump water heaters. hands-on case studies and modeling using Carrier’s Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) software will enhance learning.
Registration for this event has passed
Sanford| Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center (Room 103)
Hosted in partnership with the Sanford Area Growth Alliance
Address: 1801 Nash St, Sanford, NC 27330 / Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructor: Dr. Ethan Languri. Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Director of the Industrial Assessment Center at Tennessee Tech University
June 19 – Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement
This course focuses on life cycle analysis for energy efficiency project. A range of case studies from manufacturing facilities will be presented to provide deeper understanding of the economic dynamics of energy efficiency initiatives and their long-term financial impact.
Registration for this event has passed
June 20 – Compressed Air System’ s Energy Efficiency Improvement and Carbon Emission Reduction
This in-person training course focuses on improving compressed air systems energy efficiency, reducing costs, and lowering emissions in manufacturing facilities. Topics include system fundamentals, energy-saving opportunities, control systems, leak detection, storage tank optimization, and end-use efficiency improvements. participants will engage in case studies, perform energy and cost calculations, and explore optimization strategies. The session also includes hands-on modeling using the US DOE MEASUR software. Attendees will gain practical insights to enhance system performance, reduce operational expenses, and improve sustainability.
Registration for this event has passed
Upcoming Webinar: the Role of Forest Products in Decarbonizing the Built Environment
This webinar aims to highlight how forest products can play a transformative role in reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable, circular economies within the built environment.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Marly Irby, Environmental Specialist, Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering at East Carolina University.
Date: May 29, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Registration for this event has passed
Stay tuned and don’t miss our upcoming events. Thanks for reading!