Comprehensive Approach to Energy Fuels Dow’s Transformation
Dow’s multi-faceted approach to energy is fueling the company’s transformation to be the world’s largest, most profitable and most respected chemical company. We are engaged in the discussion on energy solutions, illustrated by our Energy Plan for America, and we are working to achieve our 2015 Sustainability Goals related to energy efficiency and reducing global carbon emissions in innovative ways.
“Waste” Gas Fuels Production
A renewable energy source project involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dow, and the City of Dalton, Georgia, is taking methane gas from a Dalton landfill and using it to fuel Dow’s latex carpet backing plant through LOMAX™ Technology. The process replaces approximately 200,000 barrels of oil and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 27 million pounds annually. As a result of Dow’s partnership with EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) and the success of this project, Dow is evaluating similar projects elsewhere in the United States.
Harnessing the Sun
A solar energy initiative led by Dow Building Solutions was selected as a recipient of the $20 million Solar America Initiative Pathways Program by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The project will further research and development efforts in building integrated photovoltaics, or BIPVs, which eliminate the traditional trade-offs of solar cells because they serve both as the outer protective surface of the building and generate power. BIPVs allow solar energy generation materials to be incorporated directly into building materials, such as roofing systems, exterior sidings and fascias, and more.
In addition, Dow has teamed with Global Solar Energy to create a flexible solar roof shingle to make home-generated solar power more accessible, as a part of the same DOE program to make solar energy cost competitive by 2015.
On another front, the Dow Performance Fluids business is enabling commercial scale solar power plants to collect heat and convert it to electrical energy, through the use of DOWTHERM™ A – a well known, specialized heat transfer fluid.
The Answer, My Friend, is Blowin’ in the Wind
Dow Epoxy Systems, a unit of Dow’s Epoxy business, has introduced AIRSTONE™ Systems for Wind Energy, a family of products, based on proven epoxy chemistry and technologies that make wind blades stronger, lighter and easier to produce. Multiple product grades allow customers to tailor their final products based on specific market conditions.
A Whole Building Approach
A “whole building” approach to building design has the potential for tremendous energy savings. Following are some of the products and processes contributing to this approach:
Containing up to 80 percent post-consumer recycled content, STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing combines the structural and water-resistive properties of wood sheathing and house wrap with the added benefit of insulation, into one convenient product.
Protected Membrane Roof (PMR) assemblies integrate STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation and HYPERLAST™ Membranes to create “garden roofs” that reduce a building’s energy costs because the vegetation redirects the sun’s energy from being absorbed in the concrete and asphalt of urban landscapes. Garden roofs have a longer life-cycle than typical low-slope roofs, minimizing long-term replacement costs and associated waste.
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The new THERMAX™ Total Wall System enables architects and contractors to create energy-efficient, moisture-managed walls with fewer materials and installation steps. Each component of the THERMAX™ Total Wall System is ENERGY STAR® qualified.
Because of this holistic approach, Dow has been selected to work with organizations such as Live Green, Live Smart on home building and rehabilitation.
In addition to these innovative products, Dow has significantly reduced its own energy requirements worldwide, and was named “2008 Energy Star Partner of the Year” by the U.S. EPA. From alternative and renewable energy sources, to products that help reduce energy use, Dow is working on its own or with others on energy solutions for the future.
