National Semiconductor Achieves Remarkable 56% Reduction in Carbon Emissions and $1.75 Annual Cost Savings
National Semiconductor Corporation of Maine has achieved a remarkable 56% reduction in carbon emissions while participating in the Governor’s Carbon Challenge and STEP-UP programs, exceeding their 14% reduction goal set for 2010. National measured 7,018 tons of carbon eliminated and associated annual savings that totaled almost $1.75 million from their 2007 program reporting! National Semiconductor is a manufacturing location for National Semiconductor Corporation (NSC) and is one of South Portland’s largest employers. The manufacturing operation produces state-of-the-art integrated circuits, and includes a design center where engineers create innovative products for information appliances. National has also been recognized by industry peers in a Semiconductor Consortium for their top presentation for carbon emissions reductions and innovative ideas.
At least seven projects have contributed to National’s carbon emissions reduction and associated annual dollar savings. These projects include increasing efficiencies in the heating of special water (deionized) necessary for manufacturing specifications, reducing set point temperatures for water heating, heat exhaust redirection and operating a heat recycling system from incoming City water. National has also shown they are ahead of their goal for fossil fuel energy reductions.
Both the Governor’s Carbon Challenge and STEP-UP programs are operated out of the Department’s Office of Innovation.
