How to Develop an Energy Plan for Project Waste

Dairy farms can generate an energy plan that converts cattle waste into fuel for processing milk.

Energy plans are intended to reduce the amount of energy that a project wastes or reduce the amount of waste a project contributes to landfills. Simultaneous planning of energy plans and project plans allows sustainable and recyclable materials to be incorporated into the project plans to save energy or facilitate conversion of waste to energy. Energy plans developed after a project is long in the works is often necessary for older projects, such as farming. Some farms can repurpose agricultural waste into energy to build a secondary business or to fuel the machinery on the farm, such as milkers.

Instructions

1. Develop an energy vision. Assess the ideal energy expense level or the repurposing of project waste. For example, depending on the project, energy can be conserved by recycling paper or selling construction scraps to others for use. Some construction materials, such as fuel, can be repurposed to generate energy for a building.

2. Establish an energy minimum amount. Confirm the minimum amount of energy expense or project waste the project can sustain. The minimum can be a dollar amount, fuel barrel amount, physical waste poundage or other measurement against which the plan can be evaluated.

3. Evaluate project materials. Assess what current project materials can be replaced by newer formulations or technologies that reduce energy expenditures or contribute to overall energy conservation. Replace any materials that need replacement.

4. Assess what project wastes can be repurposed to avoid the landfill. Livestock manure and palm fruit pulps can be repurposed as fuel for farm equipment or mills.

5. Develop goals that are achievable for the current project. Outline steps for achieving goals. Clarify what costs are necessary to increase project energy efficiency. Identify materials for purchase and the quantities needed. Set deadlines for achievement of goals based on realistic expectations.

6. Identify funding sources for increasing energy conservation and reduction of waste. Identify a market on which to sell unwanted project waste for repurposing by others.

References

• U.S. Department of Energy: Community Greening: How to Develop a Strategic Energy Plan
• Public Interest Energy Research: Dairy Waste to Energy Project
• Clinton Foundation: What We've Accomplished
• City of San Jose Environmental Services Department: Integrated Waste Management Zero Waste Strategic Plan Organics-io-Energy Workplan