The Issue

A global leader in wafer-fabrication for the semiconductor industry had excessive water usage at several of its facilities. Striving to meet its sustainability goals while also minimizing risk associated with utility rate volatility and reducing operating expense, Burton was tasked with surveying 2 million square feet of manufacturing and office space to identify water efficiency solutions.

The Burton Solution

Over the course of several days, Burton completed water assessments across 14 buildings and manufacturing facilities, evaluating cooling towers, specialized process water use, compressors, plumbing fixtures, reverse osmosis systems, irrigation, and other end uses. Based on the assessments, Burton recommended water efficiency measures that would reduce usage by 27 million gallons annually and operating expense by nearly $700,000. To implement the measures, it would require an investment of $1.7 million, offering these projects a 2.5-year payback.