Action Ideas to Improve Air Quality
Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react chemically in sunlight on hot summer days.
What kinds of businesses can help reduce ozone levels: Most industrial and commercial operations use solvents, burn fuels or consume electricity and, therefore, have opportunities to reduce emissions of VOCs or NOx or energy consumption.
Why should businesses help reduce ozone levels: There are many benefits:
- Gain community recognition and appreciation
- Avoid future environmental regulation by having voluntary emission reductions be a substitute for specific mandatory control measures
- Improve company productivity
- Increase company pride from environmental stewardship
- Reduce costs
- Contribute to the redesignation of SE Wisconsin from nonattainment to attainment, which would allow businesses to meet customer demand immediately without the hassle of emission offsets, costly, complex and timely permits, etc.
How can businesses help reduce ozone levels:
Pursue VOC Reductions
- Use less lower or non-VOC containing solvents, paints, and other finishing and maintenance products, for example use high-solids paints (more solids and less solvents);
- Modify paint application equipment as certain spray guns have higher transfer efficiencies;
- Modify VOC using industrial processes or maintenance processes
- Contribute VOC offset credits that were generated at the company's facility;
- Limit evaporation of cleaning solvents by keeping lids tightly closed, promoting the use of closed-lid parts washers, etc.
- Capture emissions for reuse (e.g., methane from landfills, carbon dioxide generated during the fermentation process, etc.).
Pursue NOx and Energy Reductions
- Tune combustion air and fuel flows to minimize NOx emissions relative to combustion efficiency and other pollutants. If necessary, equipment would be installed or practices implemented to maintain the desired fuel/combustion air conditions.
- Improve steam and process load management. A large number of boilers generate steam for industrial processes. Steam efficiency options can reduce boiler load and associated NOx.
- Increase investments in renewable energy production. Additional energy production from renewable energy sources will reduce emissions from power plants.
- Install energy efficient lighting.
- Contact your utility for ideas on efficiency, load management and savings:
- Join EPA's ENERGY STAR partnership offers a proven energy management strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings, and rewarding improvements. Organizations can partner with EPA to: manufacture or promote ENERGY STAR labeled products and homes or improve the energy efficiency of their facilities.
- Learn from what other companies are doing - GEMI Business and Climate Change
- Attend workshops or energy fair sponsored by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). MREA is a network for sharing ideas, resources, and information with individuals, businesses, and communities to promote a sustainable future through renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Pursue transportation-related reductions
- Replace fleet vehicles with low-emission vehicles, over and above what is required by law;
- Maintain vehicles and maintenance equipment so that engines operate more efficiently;
- Use ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel (if available) before required by law;
- Reduce vehicle and equipment idle time;
- Replace vehicles with vehicle fueled by compressed natural gas;
Promote reduction activities for employees
- Coordinating a trade-in promotion for small engines such as lawn mowers and outboard motors;
- Post information about what employees can do at home and work to help;
- Educate, Motive and NOtfy your employess about Ozone Action Days and participate in Ozone Action Days;
- Promote transportation choices and alternatives;
- Offer transit benefits;
- Provide support services and information sharing;
- Offer commute options for employees; (See Commuter Options) for ideas;
Promote reduction activities for contractors
- Reduce the frequency of use of gasoline-powered grounds-maintenance equipment;
- Reduce the use of lawn mowers and other gasoline-powered small engines through the use of natural landscaping;
- Avoid lawn maintenance or any other unnecessary use of outdoor equipment during ozone alert days.
For more information:
See what other Partners are doing.
The Federation of Environmental Technologists, Inc. (FET) is a nonprofit organization formed to assist industry in interpretation of and compliance with environmental regulations through locally sponsored seminars, workshops and training courses.
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center's (SHWEC) serves and partners with industry, community, government and educational and research institutions by providing quality education, information and technical assistance to promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
Wisconsin Focus on Energy is a public-private partnership offering energy information and services to energy utility customers throughout Wisconsin. The goals of this program are to encourage energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, enhance the environment, and ensure the future supply of energy for Wisconsin. The website includes resources for both commercial and industrial operations.
Benz Air Engineering has specialized in the design, manufacture, and installation of the Compu-NOx Combustion Control System. With over 130 installations worldwide, Compu-NOx control provides low NOx emission control and simple payback usually within one year. The website includes case studies.
Great Lakes Pollution Prevention Roundtable is a professional organization dedicated to promoting information exchange and networking to P2 professionals in the Great Lakes regions of the United States and Canada. The website include tools for a number of commercial and industrial sectors.
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation is dedicated to promoting sound energy policy, and designing and delivering innovative energy efficiency services that
- Provide affordable solutions to consumers’ energy needs, especially those with limited income
- Maximize the safety, comfort, durability & energy efficiency of buildings
- Educate consumers on options for making energy efficient choices
- Reduce the environmental impact of energy use
- Promote economic development by increasing profitable opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable energy