Industry Survey Results

Nearly 50% of respondents have an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System (EMS). Almost 15% percent of facilities responding to the survey have an EMS that conforms to the ISO standards but are not certified. About 20% of facilities have no EMS in place. There are 20% that have unique in-house EMS programs that are developed by individual companies that may or may not conform to ISO standards. Therefore, the 20% with unique in-house EMS programs may be partially represented in the 15% not certified but conforming to ISO standards.  

Four percent (4%) of respondents are designated or self-designated as a Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) facility. ZWTL still has no official or common definition, but it is generally accepted to be at least 95% of discards being reused, recycled, or otherwise not landfilled. Ninety-six percent (96%) of facilities responding to the survey are not ZWTL. Common obstacles to achieving ZWTL vary widely but usually are a lack of vendor capabilities, monetary commitment and/or issues with materials substitutions. Most often mentioned is that certain non-recyclable products are necessary, and any substitutions may compromise the quality of products.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of respondents have non-hazardous byproducts that could have other uses. Impediments to this are a lack of recycling vendors and prohibitive costs for processing and transportation.

Thirty-seven percent (38%) would like assistance with finding a beneficial end-use of material discards. Lack of partners, low quantities, and materials unique to processes were major challenges in finding beneficial end-use outlets. OSP will be in direct contact with each of these respondents to offer further assistance.

Only 42% of responding facilities participate in any demand response programs for energy use curtailment and management during peak times.

The most popular energy reduction project was lighting upgrades with 94% of facilities indicating that they have upgraded. Forty-four percent (44%) implemented other practices including installing more efficient equipment.

Tennessee 3 Star Industrial Assessment Center offers in-depth energy assessments at no cost to qualifying Tennessee industries. OSP will refer the 24% of our survey respondents expressing interest to the IAC program participating universities for potential assessments.

Over 90% of survey respondents report toxic releases to the USEPA.