1
Compiled by Dr. Joe Herbertson
June 2001
Sustainable Resource
Processing
Case
Study: Interface
Leading US carpet maker,
Interface Corporation, well known for its sustainability credentials,
applied fresh ‘whole of system’
thinking to the re-design of a new plant in Shanghai
•92% energy saving in the plant’s core pumping system
•Streamlined plant design lowers capital and
improves operating and maintenance reliability
•The first two years of the company wide efficiency
effort yields
Interface $25M savings
•Fresh thinking led to a shift away from a big pumps small
pipes design concept to the reverse
•Pipe layout was considered as a key to simplified plant design
•Installing more effective pipe insulation was possible
with compact design
Reference: Energy Best Practice,
ISR, Canberra; energy.best
practice@isr.gov.au
Note: The Energy Efficiency Best
Practice group within ISR are an excellent source of information and practical help
on how smart energy practices can deliver significant financial and
environmental benefits