As an official Department of Energy (DOE) 50001 Ready Partner, PennTAP is providing U.S. based manufacturers with a unique training opportunity by facilitating the DOE’s 50001 Ready Cohort. 50001 Ready is a hands-on year-long initiative providing PA manufacturers comprehensive energy management training tailored to their needs. The program is fast-growing and provides organizations of all types with a flexible roadmap to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Over the course of the program, manufacturers receive training from PennTAP advisors using DOE-developed resources to support their organization as they pursue their energy management path. Program participants receive continuous support from ISO 50001 experts delivered via monthly cohort group training webinars, virtual one-on-one coaching sessions, on-demand guidance on the use of 50001 Ready tools and resources, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.
Upon completion of the 50001 Ready program, manufacturers will receive recognition from the DOE. The DOE’s 50001 Ready recognition helps organizations get on a path toward deeper and more sustained energy savings — helping them attain their energy, carbon, or cost reduction goals. Many 50001 Ready-recognized organizations will continue with additional improvement and auditing before seeking ISO 50001 certification. ISO 50001 certification benefits an organization by adding credibility and measurement ability for energy management efforts, which can be helpful in grant and other funding applications as well as a pathway to further certifications.
“The program isn’t about coming up with solutions, it’s about creating a roadmap for future progress with a focus on continuous improvement and energy management,” said PennTAP Associate Director Alanna Colvin. “It’s about discovery, investigation, and developing an energy culture. It’s very hands on – the cohort encourages participants to develop material, reflect on their current practices, and enhance their metrics. It’s a customizable program designed to fit every participant’s needs.”
Since PennTAP became an official Department of Energy 50001 Ready Partner in 2020, two participating companies have successfully completed the year-long program and achieved 50001 Ready status.
JLG, a leading manufacturer of lift equipment, including aerial lifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers and low-level access lifts, was one of the first companies to participate in and complete PennTAP’s inaugural cohort program in 2022.
“We came into the program wanting to save energy,” said Jason Grentus, senior environmental manager for JLG. “We decided to go through the program with our McConnellsburg site – it is our biggest energy user in North America, so if we can reduce energy consumption there, it would make the biggest difference. It’s not just about selling more widgets – we want a better community for our employees to live and work in.”
“Completing this program opened doors to opportunities we didn’t even realize we wanted in on – JLG was asked to present on a panel at the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit, and now JLG is being nominated for a Better Project and Better Practice Award,” Grentus said. “We want to push ourselves to keep on achieving and, if possible, surpassing our goals.”
Parker Lord, a leading supplier of adhesives in the transportation, consumer products, defense, general industry, and power industries participated in the most recent 2023 cohort.
“I liked the individual coaching sessions and the ongoing support we received from PennTAP,” said Drew Howard, senior Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) engineer. “The regular cadence of meetings provided motivation, direction and reminders to keep the project moving forward. The PennTAP advisor’s coaching provided opportunities to discuss implementation of the technical aspects and brainstorm application of the project modules. Even after the conclusion of the project, engagement and support continues.”
Since Parker Lord’s completion of the 50001 Ready cohort, PennTAP has connected the company with the Mid-Atlantic Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Program to complete a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) feasibility study, and with the PA Solar Center to complete a solar power feasibility study.
The next 50001 cohort is expected to launch in late 2024-early 2025. If your company is interested in participating and would like to be notified on the official launch dates, learn more here: PennTAP 50001 Ready Cohort