US manufacturer proves smart water meter use case
With companies and utilities continually announcing smart metering investments and initiatives, it’s always a breath of fresh air to hear about a project paying off. Saint-Gobain is one such company, having reduced one of their site’s annual water consumption in Georgia, US, by more than 2 million gallons.
Saint-Gobain, which manufactures materials and services for the construction and industrial market, equipped a smart water meter system and upgraded equipment at a plant in Social Circle, Georgia.
The project proved successful, reducing the site’s consumption of water by more than two million gallons per year.
In Social Circle, CertainTeed – which develops sustainable building products – uses process water to cool equipment that is used to manufacture its Restoration Millwork. Water is additionally used in vacuum pumps to help extract fumes that are created during specific steps in the manufacturing process.
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The smart water meter system allows the plant to more closely manage how much water is used at each step in the manufacturing process and in other everyday uses at the facility.
Saint- Gobain cites how the system allows for leaks and accidental overuses to be pinpointed and fixed quickly. The plant has also invested in a closed loop system for its vacuum pumps, which allows the facility to reuse the water needed for its ventilation process.
“Through creative problem solving and by embracing new technologies, our team in Social Circle has improved our plant’s efficiency and sustainability profile,” stated Joe Bondi, vice president and general manager of CertainTeed Sidings Product Group.
“Our team will continue to look for ways to maximise our company’s positive impact, for our customers and the communities where we operate, while working to minimise our environmental footprint.”
