E3: Economy, Energy and the Environment
Introduction
Small to medium sized manufacturers represent the largest proportion of the manufacturing sector, but they often lack information to integrate practical, sustainable approaches in their operations. To help bridge that knowledge gap, the federal government created a framework called E3: Economy, Energy and the Environment.
E3 connects federal agencies, states and local communities for a broad discussion on how to connect respective programs to deliver responsive, coordinated solutions in a manufacturing environment. The E3 Framework facilitates collaboration among groups with common interests and a common agenda focused on strengthening small to medium sized American manufacturers. State and local communities use the E3 framework to help boost local economies to achieve their sustainability goals.
E3 Initiative at Tonawanda, NY
In the spring of 2011, EPA, NYSDEC, the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York (CACWNY) and the Western New York State town of Tonawanda, hosted several meetings of federal, state, local and regional organizations to discuss implementation of an E3 Initiative in Tonawanda associated with air quality concerns. After these meetings, the group was expanded to include additional partners where strategies were discussed and outlines sketched to begin implementing an E3 Initiative in Tonawanda. NYSP2I Director Dr. Anahita Williamson is an active participant in the town's E3 sustainability initiative.
NYSP2I: A Technical Resource
NYSP2I has been awarded a Source Reduction Assistance Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to work with manufacturers in the Tonawanda area, near Buffalo, NY. The grant, which totals $130,000, will be used to assess opportunities for local manufacturers to reduce energy, environmental impacts and associated costs.
This effort supports Tonawanda’s Economy, Energy, and Environment (E3) initiative, driven by citizens with a concern for air quality resulting from industrial activities. The E3 program is an interagency effort involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, coordinated locally by EPA Region 2, the NYSDEC, the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York (CACWNY) and the Town of Tonawanda.
E3 provides for a model of collaboration among local, regional and Federal agencies, utilities, manufacturers and other interested organizations to help the community incorporate sustainability initiatives and green technology into industry practices.
NYSP2I is partnered with Insyte Consulting for this collaboration to utilize our Lean, Energy and Environment tool (LE2) to achieve the objectives of
(a) Scoping - initial contact and discussion with a company, and the identification of improvement opportunities;
(b) Assessment - assistance with the development of a baseline, and the development of product and process improvement recommendations, including cost and engineering feasibility analyses; and
(c) Implementation - technical assistance in support of the implementation of recommended solutions, including annual follow-up to track critical environmental and cost metrics.