Energy Efficiency at the Breweries
Our brewery operations present several opportunities for energy conservation. The major programs in place at our U.S. breweries, described below, bring significant environmental benefits as well as cost savings. We are actively upgrading our facilities to energy efficient lighting, resulting in electricity savings.
Utilities Process Analysis and Reduction
The Utilities Process Analysis and Reduction (UPAR) initiative, implemented in all Anheuser-Busch breweries in 2003, remains a vital part of our overall energy conservation effort. It has transformed the manner in which our breweries manage utility operations, including energy, residuals, carbon dioxide, wastewater and water, to achieve greater efficiency. Through process control, real-time data and utilities trend analyses, UPAR helps facilities identify and implement practices to reduce energy use and other utility expenses. Such practices include managing steam loads, benchmarking best practices and utilizing cost-effective energy and utility supply.
Boiler Efficiency Tracking
Our company operates more than 50 boilers across 12 U.S. breweries. More than 98 percent of the boiler fuel purchased is used to generate steam for brewery processes. Boiler Efficiency Tracking is a program that places renewed emphasis on proper tuning and testing of boilers, with the goal of reducing fuel costs, improving boiler reliability and safety, and lowering air emissions per heat energy produced. Through the Boiler Efficiency Tracking program, breweries check boiler efficiency quarterly, using a standardized measurement method.
Boiler Heat Recovery
Boilers throughout our company have economizers that capture excess heat to produce energy and enhance fuel efficiency. To achieve desired levels of heat recovery, and reduce fuel costs and emissions, we continue to analyze boiler equipment to determine where economizer upgrades would be appropriate. In 2006, this initiative realized savings of 56.2 billion Btus (59,280 gigajoules).
Merrimack Brewery Conservation Fair
The success of our energy strategy relies on a high level of employee awareness and commitment to our programs and goals. On January 25, 2006, the Merrimack Brewery employees and their families were invited to attend a Conservation Fair. Various groups were present to provide information about energy savings and recycling at home and work. Participants received information on energy-saving technology used at work, climate change and tips for home energy conservation. As a result of the success of this event in Merrimack at enhancing awareness, energy conservation fairs are being held at all of Anheuser-Busch's U.S. breweries.
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