PSO Biz
Harnessing the Wind: How SWEP partnered with PSO WindChoice to achieve sustainability goals
Since 1983, SWEP, a subsidiary of the Dover Corporation, has been a global leader in the design and production of brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs), a technology that reduces energy usage in a variety of heating, cooling, refrigeration, district energy, and industrial systems.
In 2013, SWEP North America relocated its manufacturing operations to Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to SWEP manager Jared Lovelle, the move was a strategic decision to be in the geographic center of the continent to better serve its customers. “If you didn’t know, Tulsa is the heat exchange capital of the world, with literally dozens of local companies dedicated to this market segment,” Lovelle said. “The relocation allows SWEP to better serve customers throughout the continent as well as source material, talented people, and best-in-class services.”
Because SWEP manufactures tools for energy reduction, practicing efficiency and sustainability in the production of those tools is especially important to the company’s culture. To that end, SWEP has partnered with PSO WindChoice to convert 100% of its energy usage to wind power.
We asked Lovelle several questions about the importance of energy efficiency and the value of participating in the WindChoice program.
Why is energy efficiency and sustainability important at SWEP?
At SWEP, we create energy for our people, products, and services by giving more than we take. This is essential to help build a bright and sustainable future. We are constantly striving for a more sustainable tomorrow. Thus, we must ensure our daily actions reflect this commitment.
As a key enabler of energy reduction, SWEP is defined by sustainability and energy efficiency. Over time, this commitment has become embedded in our DNA. In fact, our people are deeply engaged in this efficiency challenge and are demonstrating our sustainability commitment in how we think, act and invest (e.g. WindChoice).
How did SWEP go about creating and executing its ESG goals? What was the desired outcome?
For almost 40 years, SWEP has demonstrated a dedication to improve energy efficiency and sustainable heat transfer solutions; especially in our products, activities, and ambitions. We have adopted an ESG framework (environment, social and governance), directly aligned with, and supported by, our parent company, Dover. This ESG framework helps us focus on work toward creating more energy than we consume and being a positive force in an uncertain world.
The path toward energy efficiency is what drives us. With ESG, we use key metrics to follow the progress of minimizing our corporate carbon footprint. This is vital for SWEP as a company and helps motivate our people by showing that we deliver a highly efficient and critical product while positively impacting our community and overall society. SWEP’s key target is to become carbon neutral by 2030. We have a roadmap that identifies key action areas to address while also accepting that some forms of climate compensation may be necessary.
Through all our dedication and actions, our emissions per kilogram produced dropped by more than 34% compared to 2016. This dedication has not only improved our environmental impact but resulted in less resources spent and, honestly, saved us money. You can have both if done correctly!
How did enrolling in PSO WindChoice help you to achieve your goals?
There were several positive factors when deciding to enroll in WindChoice. The first was that WindChoice represented a local investment in Oklahoma infrastructure with a renewable resource readily available in our state. Seriously, have you ever not felt the wind blowing in our state?
The second was a reduction in the impact to our environment of emissions related to nonrenewable energy reduction. I know I need clean air to breathe. Blithely accepting a long-term dependence on coal or other antiquated fossil fuel solutions without even attempting to harness the natural gifts found in this state is simply not an option.
The third factor to enroll in WindChoice was a hope that as more customers sign up for WindChoice additional investment in renewables would be made. This decision is in line with SWEP corporate commitment to reduce emissions as we grow. It also allows for a more robust energy solution and longer-term sustainability.
What can other companies do to become more energy efficient?
It’s important for companies to analyze their activities as a whole and identify key areas for energy improvement. This can be in the production process as well as directly with the product or service they offer. If the materials used to make the product can be minimized the environment and the company will save and be better off.
Additionally, each organization can establish an ESG process and goals. Being transparent about where you are currently and systematically outlining steps to improve is key to driving any type of success. Each day more and more companies are putting a larger focus on sustainability. Together, we can all drive a better, more sustainable future. Not just for our business but our people and families as well.
Why should other companies participate in WindChoice and engage in energy efficiency and sustainability practices?
First, to support Oklahoma and harvest a free, abundant, local, renewable resource. Second, to ensure we have a sustainable option to ensure electricity is readily available in a constantly changing world. Third, to encourage PSO and others to continue to drive proactive investment in alternative energy options for our grid. Compared to other states, the lack of tax incentives and waning political support for alternative energy in Oklahoma is palpable. However, industry and community can overcome this lack of leadership by showing we will not be ignored through enrollment in WindChoice.
In the end, WindChoice was a perfect fit for SWEP to help us accomplish our goals. I encourage everyone, regardless of size, to support the WindChoice program and enroll. It is good business, good for our state and great for the future of our people.
Put the wind to work for your business. Learn more about PSO WindChoice and enroll at PSOklahoma.com/WindChoice