Energy efficiency is more than just reducing costs, it is also about long-term business resilience and environmental sustainability. In 2024, those efforts earned PotlatchDeltic’s Warren, Arkansas mill first place in Entergy Arkansas’ Energy Champion of the Year Award, recognizing its achievements in reducing energy waste and improving sustainability. With a 7.7% reduction in energy consumption, adjusted for production and weather, the Warren mill surpassed its annual efficiency targets and outperformed other industrial manufacturing sites in the competition.

The achievement was the result of a combination of data-driven decision making, technology upgrades, process improvements, and employee engagement. Among the key initiatives that contributed to this achievement was a complete overhaul of the mill’s air compressor systems, replacing aging compressors and dryers with high-efficiency models. The team also launched an air leak detection program, repairing an average of 10 to 15 leaks per week, preventing wasted energy and unnecessary costs. Technology upgrades included installing motors with variable frequency drives to optimize power use and switching to LED lighting and automated exterior controls to further reduced energy demand. Just as crucial was the active participation of employees, who received regular training on energy-saving best practices.

The Warren mill’s achievements are part of a larger company-wide initiative to drive energy efficiency across all its operations. All three of PotlatchDeltic’s Arkansas mills participate in Entergy Arkansas’ Continuous Energy Improvement program, which focuses on identifying and implementing energy-saving measures to reduce electricity consumption and lower energy costs. The company has set a target to reduce total energy consumption by 1% per year, adjusted for production, demonstrating our commitment to promote operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The 7.7% energy consumption reduction at the Warren mill saved approximately 2.2 million kWh of electricity, or the equivalent of the electricity use of 322 homes for a year, avoiding an estimated 1,580 tons of CO₂ emissions. Yet, the impact goes far beyond these figures. By prioritizing energy efficiency across its manufacturing operations, PotlatchDeltic is optimizing manufacturing processes, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability, proving that responsible manufacturing is both a competitive advantage and an environmental imperative.