Operation: Green

At Jamak, we pride ourselves in being Clean,Green and Safe. The result is a constant focus on what we can do to be more efficient, have lower costs, and be less reliant on scarce commodities. We work to increase the use of eco-friendly supplies and products, decrease the amount of waste we produce and work smart to be able to offer the best quality products at the lowest possible prices.

We are committed to reducing, reusing, and recycling, therefore, reducing our carbon footprint. Doing so is good stewardship and good business. Our environmental programs are ISO 14001 certified. We have been a member of the Clean Texas Program since 2002. We have been recognized by TCEQ and Zero Waste Network with case studies for our responsible treatment of water and electricity in our community. We proudly boast being used as a benchmarking company for many of our programs.

Here are just some highlights from our growing list of environmentally focused programs and projects...

Electricity

Following Pollution Prevention (p2) training provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) we developed focused shutdown and start up procedures which insures unnecessary equipment and lighting were not on unless needed. Installed capacitor banks to improve power factor, installed a high efficiency air compressor, and installed a building management system to monitor and control power usage which allows Jamak to shed HVAC load during periods of high peak demand.

Environmental benefits: Using year 2000 as our base year (We implemented energy management programs in 2001) in the following 10 years we reduced electricity consumption by 16.7 million kilowatt hours, worth 2.08 million dollars.

Cool Roof Project

Completed in 2005, this eliminated a storm water issue with zinc exposure coming from the galvanized roof. It also reduced the inside roof temperature from a maximum recorded of 50 degrees Fahrenheit above the outdoor temperature to a temperature equal to or less than outdoor ambient. This specifically reduced the heat load on the building and improved the efficiency of HVAC equipment and comfort level indoors.

Energy Efficient Lighting Project

In 2005, we replaced all existing lighting in our facility with electronic ballasts and T8 fluorescent bulbs to improve energy efficiency. In our Center for Design, Development and Testing, the effect of the Cool Roof coating and the lighting project was most dramatic as this facility has separate metering and we could easily see the results. We saw a 28% average monthly reduction in electricity usage, resulting in a savings of $75,760 in the past 4.5 years.

Water Usage

In 2000, we identified water as a resource where we could significantly reduce waste. We installed water meters in our processes and restroom areas to enable us to identify unusually high usage. As a result, since 2000, we have reduced water usage by 27.8 million gallons and saved $174,800.

We read and record the water usage data on a weekly basis. In 2007, we noticed our water usage in a rest room area jump from a weekly average of 7,200 gallons to 26,000 gallons. By using die tablets in the tanks, we ultimately discovered an old style toilet bowl flap leaking. We replaced the toilet with a new low flush style and dropped our average weekly usage to 5,500 gallons. Unfortunately, during this 33 week period that we were unable to identify the source of the high usage, we wasted 620,000 gallons of water at a cost of $4,770. The use of die tablets in toilet tanks will give an immediate indication of toilet leaks if they aren't obvious.

Hydraulic Oil Reduction

In August 2005, we began a program to monitor the oil usage of our hydraulic equipment by recording the amount of oil replaced because of leaks. What we found was an opportunity to save an estimated $450,000 (and 26,600 gallons of oil) in the following 4 year period.

Methanol/Adhesive Project

One of our processes involves the use of methanol and adhesive. These are costly and potentially hazardous materials. Our research led us to create a better process for the application of these products. The result? In 2008, we were using 9 gallons of adhesive and 55 gallons of methanol to the tune of $28,183 per year. Our new process reduced the amounts to 1 gallon and 8 gallons, respectively of these chemicals. The icing on this cake was that we are now saving $20,750 a year!

Styrofoam Cups

Late in 2006, one of our employees asked about the use of Styrofoam cups in our facility due to their impact to the environments and the potential health issues in using them. That question led to a bit of research and a change at Jamak. If you work here and want coffee, tea, hot chocolate or other provided beverages, you have to supply and maintain your own cup or glass. We made the change effective January 1, 2007. The result? Since 2007, this action has kept an estimated 96,000 Styrofoam cups (or approximately 32,000 a year) out of landfills.

Offspec Materials

As with any manufacturing company, there is usually some product that does not meet the requirement of the customer. We were sending such material to the landfill. Through our asset recovery efforts, from 2005 to 2009, we diverted 1.7 million pounds of material from the landfill by reuse. Through reduced landfill costs, receipts, and savings, this program has been worth $485,878 for these 5 years.

Community Outreach

Since 2003, Jamak Fabrication, Inc. has developed and sponsored 5 Texas Recycles Day/Environmental events to promote the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle). Our carnival themed events are designed to teach children why and how to protect the environment. Our events promote community awareness and prompts local citizens to contact local authorities to develop recycling programs.

We also promote the use of energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) at school environmental fairs. We will be participating in the Crockett Elementary School 2nd Annual Community Day event on May 22, 2010.

Silicone Engine Gaskets and Seals

Jamak Fabrication, Inc. was the first to market engine sealing gaskets made from silicone. It is estimated that Jamak has prevented in excess of 4 million gallons of oil per year from dripping onto the Earth's surface since we started designing and supplying silicone gasket technology for automotive engine sealing.

The Zero Waste Network

Jamak has worked with the Zero Waste Network to help other companies improve their profitability and save money. Zero Waste's website features two success stories about Jamak's Water Conservation and Electric Conservation efforts. Jamak employees have spoken at the Zero Waste Pollution Prevention workshops and are regular users of the tools on the website.

In 2009, we participated in an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) training program that was partially funded by the EPA, and taught through the university of Texas at Arlington's Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC). Many of our projects are presented during the training and made available to all participants to use for benchmarking or ideas.

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