Since 1990, the WRATT Foundation has conducted over
1400 on-site assessments in the State of Alabama. WRATT also has developed
and conducted numerous workshops and seminars promoting waste reduction,
pollution prevention, and energy conservation for a number of specific
industries. Under a contract with EPA Region III and TVA, for example, WRATT
conducted workshops in Alabama, Ohio, Georgia and Virginia for the metal
fabrication industry. The Foundation has also conducted workshops for agricultural,
printing, and auto repair industries, as well as for general business and
small industry.
In an EPA/ADEM-funded survey, 74 Alabama companies reported savings of $8,662,000
as a direct result of implementing WRATT's recommendations.
- The average cost of these assessments was $2,349.
- The total cost for the 74 assessments was $173,826 for a benefit/cost ratio of about 50 to 1.
- The average savings per company was $117,000.
WRATT has conducted over 600 on-site assessments of Alabama school
facilities and prepared and distributed a waste reduction manual for
school systems. Many of the recommendations for schools have resulted
in thousands of dollars in energy savings alone.
A Sampling of Reported Results...
Based on WRATT Foundation recommendations,
- A textile manufacturer reduced wastes by 5,200 tons/year, for an annual
savings of $1.54 million.
- A manufacturer of water meters switched to off-peak electrical power,
for an annual savings of $100,000.
- An auto body repair shop recycled 200 lbs of cardboard per month and recovered
by distillation 35 gallons of paint thinner per month, for an annual savings
of $4,500.
- A manufacturer of steel trusses reduced steel scrap by 850 tons/year,
for an annual savings of $550,000.
- A sausage and food products company reduced water usage by 2.25 million gallons/month and
recycled 40 tons of cardboard per week, for an annual savings of $470,000.
- A manufacturer of electrical connectors reduced hazardous sludge by
185 tons/year, and recycled oil for an annual savings of $43,750.
- A manufacturer of wooden furniture reduced Volatile Organic Compounds by 12,000 lbs/year
and reduced general wastes by 14,400 lbs/year, resulting in an annual savings
of $28,000.
- A city school system reduced electrical and water usage, and initiated a
recycling program, saving $36,700 per year.
- A manufacturer of lumber and wooden pallets converted 9 million
board feet of scrap wood per year to mulch, resulting in annual savings
and sales increases of $78,000.
- A manufacturer of tubular metal products installed capacitors to correct
a low power factor, saving $84,000 per year.
- A shipbuilding and repair company reduced landfilling, VOC's, scrap steel, and improved
their sandblasting operation, saving $240,000 per year.
- A fabric manufacturer reduced reactant usage and recycled used oil,
saving $116,300 per year.
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