TowerJazz, a global specialty semiconductor foundry, has reduced its annual energy usage at its Newport Beach, Calif., facility by 9 million kilowatt-hours, which is the carbon-reduction equivalent of 12,982 barrels of oil or 1,071 cars on the road, according to the company. This has helped earn the company an Outstanding Achievement in Energy Efficiency Award from Southern California Edison (SCE).
The foundry has been undergoing an efficiency overhaul, which includes the implementation of new technology and practices throughout the company. As part of its "green" strategy, TowerJazz joined the Cool Planet Project, an energy efficiency and climate change mitigation program, administered by The Climate Registry and SCE.
To help reduce energy consumption, TowerJazz has installed variable frequency drives (VFDs), which adjusts the speed of an electric motor by regulating the power being delivered, on its plants' air handlers. This allows operators to fine-tune processes while reducing energy costs, energy consumption and equipment maintenance.
The company also participates in energy conservation activities in Southern California and worldwide alternative energy programs, including Better Place.