The Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. was recognized by B.C. Hydro for its energy-reduction program that reduced electricity use by 25 per cent in just 18 months.
B.C. Hydro named the company the 2010 power smart leader, Hydro's highest level of customer recognition.
The Sinclar Group operates several forest products operations in north-central B.C., including Lakeland Mills in Prince George. "I'm pleased to accept this award on behalf of the people who really deserve it - the men and women who work for us," said Greg Stewart, Sinclar Group president. "This award recognizes the incredible dedication of a team of Sinclar employees, and of all our staff who recognized a business challenge, found a solution, and implemented it, all in record time."
Through various initiatives, including the identification and elimination of air leaks, mill heat systems and general employee awareness, Sinclar Group reduced its electricity consumption by more than 25 per cent in just over a year and a half.
Sinclar Group developed energy maps to identify how each of their eight facilities uses energy. Then they developed rigorous monitoring, tracking and reporting systems to ensure accountability.
Not satisfied with their initial energy management assessment, they made improvements. On their second assessment, they scored three stars on BC Hydro's One-2-Five Energy Diagnostic. They are one of only two companies in the forest sector to score three stars.
"A large part of our clean energy future relies upon wise and efficient use of electricity," said BC Hydro president and CEO David Cobb.
