tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45995027957774326492024-03-24T10:42:48.913-04:00Regeneration in ACTIONan Elemental Impact on-line magazineHolly Elmorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320051691727973987noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599502795777432649.post-17009771829570557332015-10-03T22:37:00.000-04:002018-11-16T10:29:59.444-05:00Ei Airborne Kitchen Grease Initiative Announced<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After diligent work for nearly three years, <a href="http://elementalimpact.org/">Elemental Impact </a>formalized the <a href="http://elementalimpact.org/Airborne_Kitchen_Grease">Ei Airborne Kitchen Grease Initiative</a> (AKG), <i>a proactive approach to a costly cooking by-product</i>, with a four-stage action plan. A formal Ei AKG Initiative launch via a press conference is slated once funding is secured.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To date, focus was on the foodservice operator, the AKG generator, with a solid platform built on cost-savings and environmental rewards. For the Ei AKG Initiative, the focus is educating communities on the municipal cost-savings associated with 1> preventing AKG from flowing into sewer systems post-cleaning and 2> increased fire safety resulting in fewer fire department responses for grease fires.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AKG Overview</b></span>:</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bsmss.com/assets/images/HOODEXHAUSTFORRESTAURANT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.bsmss.com/assets/images/HOODEXHAUSTFORRESTAURANT.jpg" height="200" title="" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KES image from<br />
Best Sheet Metal, Inc.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Airborne grease and smoke generated as a by-product of kitchen operations are a fire hazard, an environmental concern and costly to clean. Local and national regulations require commercial foodservice operations to install a kitchen exhaust system (KES) that evacuates heat, grease, moisture and smoke from the cooking area. Consisting of a hood, baffle filters, ducts and exhaust fan, the KES is monitored and maintained in accordance with the codes to prevent excessive buildup of grease effluent within the system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grease effluent can accumulate inside the KES rapidly and provide a fuel source in the event of a kitchen fire. Local codes require the frequency of inspections depending on the cooking equipment used and the volume of cooking. Monthly or quarterly required KES inspections are most common and generally result in a system cleaning. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>The current standard practice of KES grease maintenance is reactive in nature: grease builds up within the KES followed by a system cleaning. </b></i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On average a complete KES cleaning uses 350 gallons of water along with toxic cleaning agents necessary to remove grease from the system. In addition, the metal baffle filters are generally cleaned nightly, or at least several times weekly, requiring labor, water and toxic cleaning agents. On average baffle filter cleanings use 40 gallons of water plus toxic cleaning agents. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZAheUzExKE/VhCG-xHs63I/AAAAAAAACuQ/ApFseQKn29U/s1600/02-20-13%2Bgrease%2Bin%2Bduct.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZAheUzExKE/VhCG-xHs63I/AAAAAAAACuQ/ApFseQKn29U/s200/02-20-13%2Bgrease%2Bin%2Bduct.JPG" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AKG accumulated in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KES ducts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Local regulations require foodservice operators to install grease traps | grease interceptors designed to prevent kitchen grease from entering the sewer system. When the KES cleaning is complete, the greasy, toxic cleaning-agent-filled water is deposited into the kitchen sinks or other drains; the traps | interceptors flow capacity is exceeded by up to 12X. Thus, the AKG cleaned from the KES flows into the sewer system where it congeals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beyond the costs incurred by the foodservice operator, the reactive AKG approach is costly to the community and building owners: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>FOG (fats, oil & grease)</u> - build up in the sewer system and constrict flow, which can cause sewer back-ups into homes and overflow discharges onto streets. One of the main FOG sources is AKG deposited into the sewer system post-KES cleaning. Flushing KES cleaning water into the kitchen drains results in an estimated annual 1.5 billion gallons of toxic, cleaning-agent-laden water flowing into local sewer systems. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Grease fires</u> – according to the <a href="http://www.restaurant.org/Home">National Restaurant Association</a>, there are over 7,500 restaurant fires each year, resulting in over $250 million in damages, and over 100 injuries. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Roof damage</u> – AKG deposits on the roof after it leaves the KES, causing costly roof damage. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Air quality</u> – AKG not deposited within the KES or on the roof flows into the local atmosphere and impacts two of the six <a href="http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/">EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards</a>: <a href="http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/ozone/s_o3_index.html">Ozone (O3)</a> and <a href="http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/pm/s_pm_index.html">Particulate Matter</a>. </span></li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A "fatberg" pulled from an Atlanta sewer drain." src="http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LGB1Irnnh8c0yctb-DcA1MJpem8HhkaC9sHAq-6melY7gvSGE3_jnTDEB8HpblVIdlPhVsqjHTB56YhLQXdgBM-450x300.jpeg" height="133" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A “fatberg” pulled from an Atlanta <br />
sewer drain.<br />
courtesy of Atlanta Intown article</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In her September </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/">Intown Atlanta</a></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> article, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/2015/09/above-the-waterline-the-tip-of-the-fatberg/">Above the Waterline: The Tip of the "Fatberg</a>,</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">" Sally Bethea describes how grease and disposable wipes are wreaking costly havoc in Atlanta and beyond sewer systems. Sally quotes a London water official, “</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If fat is like the mortar, wet wipes are the bricks in fatbergs</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Per Sally, <i>the flow of untreated sewage and wastewater that backs up behind these gooey blobs has to go somewhere, so it spews from the pipes through manholes and cracks and spills into nearby creeks</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ei Partner Ellis Fibre (EF) manufactures a patented, disposable grease filter made from a proprietary blend of sheep's wool. The filter is placed in front of the baffle filters. EF's <a href="http://www.greaselock.com/">Grease Lock Filters</a> (GLF) collect over 98% of the kitchen grease particulates before entering the KES. By eliminating grease build-up in the system, the nightly baffle filter cleaning is generally reduced to weekly; the number of third party contracted KES cleanings is significantly reduced. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAwuDf7ZPJ4/VhCGqk1DfeI/AAAAAAAACuA/txzGgN5zX3w/s1600/roof%2B3%2Bmonths%2Bwo%2BGL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAwuDf7ZPJ4/VhCGqk1DfeI/AAAAAAAACuA/txzGgN5zX3w/s200/roof%2B3%2Bmonths%2Bwo%2BGL.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AKG deposited on roof<br />
photo courtesy of GLF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until the patented GLF introduction, there was no cost-effective alternative to reactive kitchen grease management. There are several systems designed to prevent AKG from entering the KES. However, the grease collection devices are metal, require cleaning and allow greasy, toxic cleaning-agent-laden water into the sewer system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Ei AKG Initiative is grounded in a proactive approach to addressing the grease build-up in KES, deposited on the roof and emitted into the atmosphere. By capturing the AKG BEFORE it enters the KES, a myriad of costly impacts are significantly reduced or eliminated. Developing a city-wide AKG template is the main thrust of the Ei Initiative. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Atlanta slated to serve as the Ei AKG Initiative Pilot City, the <a href="http://www.atlantaga.gov/index.aspx?page=18">City of Atlanta Office of Sustainability</a> gave the following Statement of Support:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The City of Atlanta, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is pleased to support the Elemental Impact Airborne Kitchen Grease Initiative. Grease that is flushed into Atlanta’s sewer system creates significant harm to the City’s sewer pipes, wastewater system and treatment facilities, potentially leading to millions of dollars in equipment damage. In addition, airborne kitchen grease contributes significantly to the number of calls that the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department responds to each year.</i></span></blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSA1PMF225Y/VhCKWcdA_WI/AAAAAAAACuo/lxUPKUEWIfM/s1600/GLF%2BReport%2BCover%2BPage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSA1PMF225Y/VhCKWcdA_WI/AAAAAAAACuo/lxUPKUEWIfM/s200/GLF%2BReport%2BCover%2BPage.PNG" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Report Cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the <a href="http://elementalimpact.org/SFCI_ATL_Airport_Pilot">Sustainable Food Court Initiative Airport Pilot</a>, <a href="http://www.atlanta-airport.com/">Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport </a>(ATL) took a leadership role with approval of a campus-wide proactive AKG approach. A campus-wide ATL GLF installation is estimated to reduce water usage by 1.1 million gallons per year and on average save each concessionaire $7,300 per year. A successful metro-wide Ei AKG Initiative would result in an estimated 43.4 million gallons of water-savings for the Atlanta area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ei Partner <a href="http://www.hmshost.com/">HMSHost</a> participated in the initial AKG Pilot to support the cost-savings report at one of their ATL restaurants. Subsequently, HMSHost executed a contract with GLF for anticipated national implementation. The independent engineers report </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cost Savings in Commercial Kitchens By Using Grease Lock Filters, A Report on Restaurant Pilots</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is downloadable on the <a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/akg-stage-1">AKG Stage 1</a>: Building the Foundation website page.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prior to embarking on a city-wide AKG template, integrity within the proactive AKG approach was substantiated. Initial action steps fell into four categories: </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fire Safety </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cost-Savings </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Metrics Platform </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Filter End-of-Life </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/akg-stage-1">AKG Stage 1</a> page details the work performed to substantiate the above four categories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ei AKG Initiative Stages</span>:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Ei AKG Initiative Action Plan flows in the following four stages:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/akg-stage-1">Stage 1: Building the Foundation</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/akg-stage-2">Stage 2: Developing the City-Wide AKG Template</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/akg-stage-3">Stage 3: National Expansion</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/akg-stage-4">Stage 4: Environmental Impact Research</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zseJaDclWCM/VhCHDrhdZEI/AAAAAAAACuY/cWvBzhUvfsQ/s1600/02-20-13%2BPei%2BWei%2Bpan%2Bflame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zseJaDclWCM/VhCHDrhdZEI/AAAAAAAACuY/cWvBzhUvfsQ/s200/02-20-13%2BPei%2BWei%2Bpan%2Bflame.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AKG is a cooking byproduct</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The work within the Stage 1: Building the Foundation is substantially complete. Once funding is secure, Ei will move forward with the City of Atlanta on developing the City-Wide AKG Template, including a press conference to mark the official launch. A second city will serve as the template replication pilot to support the national expansion plan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the initial Ei AKG Initiative focus is cost-savings, the environmental impact is the essence. Cost-savings is a strong, immediate motivator for the community and business owners to take action. Via the AKG metrics platform the water, grease and toxic-cleaning agent-savings are available to quantify the long-term environmental impact. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is imperative to document the extensive AKG environmental impact with scientific research and educate communities, businesses and citizens on the far-reaching ramifications of current AKG reactive practices. A simple proactive approach is available that makes good business sense for the entire value chain, including the water and soil microbial communities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ei AKG Initiative Documentation:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In true Ei style, AKG-related work to date is well-documented in the following blog articles:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2013/05/zero-water-waste-more-than-goal.html">Zero WATER Waste: more than a goal, a necessity</a> -</i> introduces the importance of addressing water use | toxicity and gives an overview of the GLF system.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2013/08/grease-activating-zero-waste-evolution.html">GREASE: Activating the Zero Waste Evolution</a> -</i> reintroduces GREASE along with history, future directions and mention of the SFCI Atlanta Airport meeting on grease generated by airport concessionaires.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnjhEH0zABs/VhCHGlmCd8I/AAAAAAAACug/ULFaLspqoN4/s1600/02-20-13%2Btour%2Bgroup%2Bon%2Broof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnjhEH0zABs/VhCHGlmCd8I/AAAAAAAACug/ULFaLspqoN4/s200/02-20-13%2Btour%2Bgroup%2Bon%2Broof.JPG" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ei AKG Team on<br />
ATL roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2013/08/grease-new-frontier-filled-with.html">GREASE: a new frontier filled with economic & environmental promise</a></i> – delves into the current airborne kitchen grease scenario and how a proactive approach saves water, toxic chemical use, labor and dollars.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2014/01/airborne-kitchen-grease-simple-solution.html">Airborne Kitchen Grease: a simple solution to a costly kitchen by-product</a></i> introduces the first action steps to developing a city-wide AKG initiative.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2014/03/atlanta-airport-presents-proactive.html">Atlanta Airport Presents a Proactive Approach to Airborne Kitchen Grease</a></i> announces the American Association of Airport Executives' February | March publication Airport Magazine article, AIRBORNE KITCHEN GREASE: A New Frontier in Sustainability, A simple solution saves tremendous water use, labor and dollars. Co-written by Michael Cheyne, Atlanta Airport director of asset management & sustainability, and Ei founder Holly Elmore, the article is in the Airport Magazine Asset Management department.</span></li>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2015/07/charlotte-opportunities-segue-into.html">Charlotte opportunities segue into ACTION</a></i> documents the powerful Ei Charlotte visit. The AKG Initiative was an Ei driver for scheduling the July 2015 Charlotte visit. City, county, state and federal associates made the Charlotte Airport AKG meeting a priority in hectic schedules. The AKG presentation is downloadable on the Ei AKG Initiative page.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following is a common phrase used to describe Ei initiatives:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ei is a creator, an incubator.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ei determines what could be done that is not being done and gets it done.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ei brings the possible out of impossible.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ei identifies pioneers and creates heroes.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned as the Ei AKG Pioneers segue into heroes and bring the possible out of the impossible!</span></div>
Holly Elmorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320051691727973987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599502795777432649.post-25665768713332089962013-08-17T23:07:00.000-04:002018-11-16T10:29:23.191-05:00GREASE: a new frontier filled with economic & environmental promise<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ZvmbO8b7o/VYS_Meyq2yI/AAAAAAAACYc/UigAwyeVim4/s1600/airborne%2Bgrease%2Bgenerated%2Bin%2Bstove%2Btop%2Bhigh%2Bheat%2Bsaute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ZvmbO8b7o/VYS_Meyq2yI/AAAAAAAACYc/UigAwyeVim4/s200/airborne%2Bgrease%2Bgenerated%2Bin%2Bstove%2Btop%2Bhigh%2Bheat%2Bsaute.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">airborne grease generated in <br />
stove top high heat saute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Airborne grease and smoke generated as a by-product of kitchen operations are a fire hazard, an environmental concern and costly to clean. Local and national regulations require commercial foodservice operations to install a kitchen exhaust system that evacuates heat, grease effluent, moisture and smoke </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from the cooking area. Consisting of a hood, baffle filters, ducts and exhaust fan, the kitchen exhaust system must be monitored and maintained in accordance with the codes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most kitchen exhaust systems are inspected monthly or quarterly and require a system cleaning due to grease build-up. On average an exhaust system cleaning uses approximately 350 gallons of water along with toxic chemicals necessary to remove grease from the system. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition the metal baffle filters are generally cleaned nightly, requiring labor, water and toxic cleaning chemicals.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uutSVKK8Z9I/VYS_YnXmoyI/AAAAAAAACYk/aGJ0hyxiWUI/s1600/GLF%2Bcollects%2Bgrease%2Bparticulates%2Bbefore%2Bthey%2Benter%2Bthe%2Bexhaust%2Bsystem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uutSVKK8Z9I/VYS_YnXmoyI/AAAAAAAACYk/aGJ0hyxiWUI/s200/GLF%2Bcollects%2Bgrease%2Bparticulates%2Bbefore%2Bthey%2Benter%2Bthe%2Bexhaust%2Bsystem.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GLF collects grease particulates <br />
before they enter the exhaust system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The post-cleaning greasy, toxic water is released through the operator's grease trap or directly into the local sewer system. Either way the toxic chemicals flow into the local water treatment system or directly into waterways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/">Elemental Impact </a>Partner <a href="http://www.ellisfibre.co.nz/">Ellis Fibre</a> (EF) manufactures a patented, disposable grease filter that is placed in front of the baffle filters. EF's <a href="http://www.greaselock.com/">Grease Lock Filters</a> (GLF) collect 90% plus of the kitchen grease particulates before entering the kitchen exhaust system. By eliminating grease build-up in the system, the nightly baffle filter cleaning is generally reduced to weekly; the number of third party contracted kitchen exhaust system cleanings are significantly reduced.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-For4BmOxhqg/VYS_mrkc5LI/AAAAAAAACYs/Lhgz-WGr9kA/s1600/HMSHose-operated%2BPei%2BWei%2B%2540%2BATL%2BAirport%2Bparticipated%2Bin%2Bpilot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-For4BmOxhqg/VYS_mrkc5LI/AAAAAAAACYs/Lhgz-WGr9kA/s200/HMSHose-operated%2BPei%2BWei%2B%2540%2BATL%2BAirport%2Bparticipated%2Bin%2Bpilot.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HMSHost-operated Pei Wei @ <br />
ATL Airport participated in pilot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To substantiate and quantify the water, labor and toxic chemical savings, Ei joined forces with <a href="http://www.csinternationalinc.com/">Compliance Solutions International </a>for a three-restaurant, eight-week GLF system pilot. The </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water, Chemical, & Cost Savings in Commercial Kitchens </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Using Grease Lock Filters, </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A Report on Restaurant Pilots </i>p</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">repared by </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay Parikh, CSI president is available for download on the <a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/GREASE">Ei GREASE</a> - <b>G</b>rease <b>R</b>ecycling & <b>E</b>nergy <b>A</b>lternative <b>S</b>olutions for the <b>E</b>nvironment, Water Use | Toxicity and <a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/Reference_Materials_and_Tools">Reference Materials</a> website pages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each of the pilot restaurants realized a cost-savings by installing the GLF system and chose to continue using the filters post pilot. Cost-savings were derived from reduced labor hours, fewer third party contracted cleanings, and reduced water usage and sewage treatment charges. The big winner is the local community who benefits from lower commercial water demand and a reduction in toxic chemicals entering the sewer system and|or waterways.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mYR7j5yc-jSv38ppWMqAR1yxO_x6asi_Lw53Fz1zgKcIbuZ8GEGECu0YQoYXj6fa-fZyaIPGMW51Bw683n1SZ9k8Fj_i5oOw8YAK9PCNRSAlioMtej3DI8s6TzCGTjoudMTKjaClR_M/s1600/grease+build-up+on+roofs+casues+costly+repairs+%2526+maintenance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mYR7j5yc-jSv38ppWMqAR1yxO_x6asi_Lw53Fz1zgKcIbuZ8GEGECu0YQoYXj6fa-fZyaIPGMW51Bw683n1SZ9k8Fj_i5oOw8YAK9PCNRSAlioMtej3DI8s6TzCGTjoudMTKjaClR_M/s200/grease+build-up+on+roofs+casues+costly+repairs+%2526+maintenance.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grease build-up on roofs casues<br />
costly repairs & maintenance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">In addition, the GLF approach to <a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/Airborne_Kitchen_Grease">Airborne Kitchen Grease</a> (AKG) enhances fire safety, reduces roof repairs & maintenance caused by grease accumulation, increases HVAC energy efficiency with cleaner fan blades and other moving parts, and lowers the community's carbon footprint due to fewer cleanings by contracted third party kitchen exhaust system maintenance companies</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">As a <a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/SFCI_ATL_Airport_Pilot">Sustainable Food Court Initiative Atlanta Airport Pilot</a> team member, Ei Partner <a href="http://www.hmshost.com/">HMSHost</a> agreed for <a href="http://www.peiwei.com/index.aspx">Pei Wei</a>, located in the International Terminal, to participate in the pilot. Working closely with the HMSHost team, Kyle Mastin - airport concessionaire manager - was impressed with the GLF pilot results at Pei Wei.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">At an Ei | Atlanta Airport meeting last week, Kyle showcased the pilot success with enthusiasm for broader use at the airport. The ZWA Blog post, <i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2013/08/grease-activating-zero-waste-evolution.html">GREASE: Activating the Zero Waste Evolution</a></i>, introduces the GREASE task force and mentions the airport's interest in assessing the grease generated at the terminal concessionaires along with potential on-site energy options.</span></span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDekfDauC8M/Ug-fK11L8FI/AAAAAAAAB6E/oZ7S2omvzKU/s1600/08-14-13+GREASE+mtg+@+ATL+Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDekfDauC8M/Ug-fK11L8FI/AAAAAAAAB6E/oZ7S2omvzKU/s200/08-14-13+GREASE+mtg+@+ATL+Airport.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GREASE Team @ ATL Airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the ZWA Blog post, <i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2013/05/zero-water-waste-more-than-goal.html">Zero WATER Waste: more than a goal, a necessity</a></i>, Ei set the foundation for launching the Water Usage | Toxicity focus area. Within the post, the GLF system is introduced along with a grease scenario and system overview.</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a proactive solution to AKG, Ei intends to support the widespread use of the GLF in commercial kitchens with a three-tier approach:</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Installation of GLF systems</u> - goal is to establish a metrics tracking system to quantify the economic and environmental impact for the foodservice operator and the community at-large.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Certification of filter compostability</u> - filters are made of lambs wool with no metal; EF intends to pursue the <a href="http://www.astm.org/Standard/index.shtml">ASTM Standards</a> testing required by <a href="http://www.bpiworld.org/">BPI</a> in their compostable packaging certification program.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Utilization of grease captured in filters</u> - grease is valuable in waste to energy technologies; determine how to best use the grease captured in the filters, whether extracted or within the filters.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GREASE is entering a new industry frontier with Ei leading the charge. Stay tuned as Ei determines the economic benefits, substantiates the environmental stewardship and develops an industry-wide action plan for kitchen exhaust system grease. EXCITING TIMES, indeed!</span></div>
Holly Elmorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320051691727973987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599502795777432649.post-84898722558035293702013-08-17T13:16:00.000-04:002018-11-16T10:29:23.198-05:00GREASE: Activating the Zero Waste Evolution<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">G.R.E.A.S.E.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>G</b>rease <b>R</b>ecycling & <b>E</b>nergy <b>A</b>lternative <b>S</b>olutions for the <b>E</b>nvironment </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the <a href="http://elementalimpact.org/Zero-Waste-Zones">Zero Waste Zones</a> launched at the acclaimed February 2009 press conference, the collection of spent grease for the local production of biofuel was one of the program's participation criteria. Spent grease is used kitchen fryer oil, often referred to as yellow grease. At the time, meeting the criteria was easy. </span></div>
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<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBhEREBAQEBEUEhUVFxUUFBUVFxUXEBUZGB0XFBQbFxQYHSYgGBsjJRQYHzIgIycpODgtFx4xNTAqNiYrLC8BCQoKDgwOGg8PGTIjHyQpKS81Kis1LCkwKSkpKSksLDUpKS0pKiw1LC8pKTUpKjQsKiwvLCwpKSwqKSksLCwsKf/AABEIAKAAeAMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAbAAEAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQUCBAYDB//EAEIQAAEDAwIEAwQFCAkFAAAAAAEAAgMEERIhMQUTQVEiYYEGMnGRFGKSobEVFiNCUlNU0jNygoOTwdHT8SRzorKz/8QAGgEBAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQFBv/EAC0RAAICAQMBBgUFAQAAAAAAAAABAhEDEiExQQRRYaGx4RQicZHBBRMygdHw/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwD7LDDfU7fitprANgjG2ACyUkBERQSEREAREQBERAEUXUoAsXRg7hZKLIDUlix+CLZlbcFFNkUZoiKCQoUqEB5z1DWNLnGwH/AsOpO1loyV0m/6OEHYSXc8/FoIDfmVlxB/6SMHZrZJbdyzFo/+l/RUbAZH3cbk6lTKUMeOWWfCVs55zlqUY8lv9Nf+/p/su/3E+nP/AH8H2X/7irJaYW8IJtva5H3LVVux5cfasf7kE0vFUZZZzxumXv05/wC/g+y/+dZx1svQxS/VYS1/pkSD62+K59S1xBBBsRsey6ngRmu0M6ymqWyNyb8CDoQRuCOhC9lV0El5A7bmRh7h9ZpxJ9QQP7KtFySVM7oS1KwiIqlyHbFEdsUQEoiIAoUogKviP9L/AHE/4wqpo4b3e52DG6ud2+HmrmtYDM0E2BhmBPbxQqpq6l2jI2zMa24HLfCMvM5XKZcsYY2mrs48i+bV3GhxPjbw4GCdgYLBrGXvbu7JoH39VuRTNqWcxgtILcxg6/WHdU3GM7tL+ZbYcx0bjffTDp8VqUdW6J4ew2I+RHUHyXkY+2Tw5tXTuOSWT5mpcHQ1lRFTgNkbzJDqWB1g0dLnupDWSR86G9ho9p95h/0UVQFVHzWmZ4uM4mujAjIG/iG3qqakqZaWQG3TxNJBDm9jZdfx+SGXVLeLLyaXPB2HDPei/wC07/2arYKqoJWufE6MWaYiQOo8TVaruk1J2j0MX8QiIqmhDtiiO2KICUREAREQFTxUjPW1uRPe4u3eHcDcLlubD+1Tf4Mn+q6Tjwb48yQ36PUZEC7gLxXsOpXzuOan2ho3zfWkc9zvsRWA+at8F8Qrvjw90eX2rLol0L6R0JBHMgbfq2J4PoVXTNaDZrw8dwCPuK0nCkfcEPpXjprJF6tNnt+9Y8qkj96SSc/ssby2er3a/IKsv0ZSX8t/p70cEszl0X3LXh3EHQvybqNnNOzh1BVhWvpn35bo4wbact2bT18Q0XON+iS+HF1M79V5eZIj5PBAI+IUCgpmay1If9WBpcT8XvAaFMf0fTHS5+XuSs8kq2a+p9E4CBaCxuOS6x7+MK8XP+zWGFNy8sOScc7Z2zG9tPkugCOGio92x7mDeCCIig2IdsUR2xRASiIgChSoQFRxoOyOLQ930eezSLhxvFYW63XDzGr2lq46e20YkDMfLCIG3qu74vT5uaL48yOWEO7F4aWn/wAF82qI6SFzo3RzyOabOyc2EXHZoBPzXodk3Vfi/U8jt1pp/mvQ3ZXVWF5GR10Y0yH6Rzf7bLPb6rGlNQRlTUrKcDeUjUf3sx09AtWFsBOUE8lK/tITj6Sx6+jgspo4zY1VY6a2zYspD9qSzW/IrsrpXk/Tg8/V1vzXrybT5qrEmYx1sQ94B7XuZ5hzfEz46ha9HJnpR0Qcf23kzW+dmD1usaTkZA08stPKL4mUswd5F7R4fW4XvUMmks2qrAb6COM817j2DI7N+ZUOlz+V5IlNvdfh+b3O44EH2p+a0NfyTk0AAA5N2DdB6K8CpOBUfKwiByEMQYSRY5OOdra2IAGnmFdheRka1bH0GHaKsIiLM2IdsUR2xRASihSgChSougPKop2vaWuFwf8Aka9D1VTWcBEhHMjintoHSAtkt5uaDl8grxFaMnHgpLHGfKOa/NWL+Dp/8ST+RPzUi/g6f7cn8i6RFf8Aen3mXw+Pu9Dm/wA1Iv4Sn+3J/Ivek9nxG68UUEB/baC+Qf1S4AD7/gr2ylQ8sn1JWDGuEeFNTtY3FvxJOpJO5J6le4RFmbJUERQhIdsUUO2KIDwr6wRRukIJAttYbkDckADXclYO4kxgaZDyy4Xs7cbXytcAC4udtVnWsuxwz5Ytcu8NgBvcO0t3uuehqqJ9oI6wXLOSQC27262F3CwPidbG29ugV4xtGOSel8nSmpZe2QuCG28yLgfGy1HcYjAabmxe9mxvdgcTpa5907LXYyJ1S5jZjm3CR8QtpYYtJNr2tbS/+a3RQtBYbnwuc8bbuDgfTxFRSXJZOT4JfxOIFoLx4gCLaix0abjQA9Cd0fxSIZ3ePC4Mdvo47N8z5DutM8AZ4PEbNZHGbtY7IR+7fJpsdSDbutn8nN7n+k5vT3u3wT5RczZhna9oc03B2P3Fan5WYWzPFzyi4O0sTiLnG+48+4PZe0dNiwtaSL5EHS4LiT2tpdUdUaGnLoXTNhcY+W5uXiLTq1xuNXC7iD9d3dTGKbKzk4q9i6bWjINt+s5m43Ay2vcqI+LwkOIkbZoyJOgx6O13abHxDReMVLFMGyNdm1xdI0g+F2bSw69rFRFwYAEOle/wtYL4aBpyGw1OgFz2So9Sbn0Nn8pxYZ56Xx2OWXbG17+VkfxSJoa4vFnag67DcnsBfUnbqvKXhYJLg9zXZ5gixsccCLEWII/FedXwYSYlzyXBpYXFsZLgbE3BaQNugSoi59xtV9aIoy8gkDEWG5yIaPxUDiEefLLhltbXe17X2vbW19lnUUwe3AkgXadLfqkOH4WWseFDPLN1s+Zh4ccrWve1/O11CrqWeq9jZgqmSMLmOyGouNjbQ27qVFNTiOMMBJDRYE76d0UPwLK63Ob9u3XFJC4lscs7Wym9vDvYnz/yVjVey1G+MRugjDRaxADXfaGuu2+q3eK8KjqYjFKLtOumhBGxB6FUX5jB1mS1dRLELWjc4AG22RAuVvGa0pXVeZyTxyU29Oq/I0KriH0au4jM1t8KeKwO1/C1t+ttQtSD2hrGcuXOee5BkiNK9seJ35cgHToeq6p/szE6WeV5c4TRticw2wxbbY2yvp3XhReyZjdH/wBXUuZGbsjLgGi2wcWgFw8itFkx1vz7GLw5b24t8fX/AA031VXVVdRFBOKdlOWt9wPL3OF7m9tN1Vn2hrBSyOMo5rawQXxbjbQYgW92/rZdFxD2UbJM6eOeWne8AScots8bagg2PmF4w+xMTYuSJZbc5tRc4F2TbWbfHUafHzUxyY0t/Dp9xLFmbdeO9/bY8OG1lVFXilnmE7ZIzKDgG4kEiwt08J+5VvE4JH8TqRFBDUERxXbNbECw1F+q6uTgjTVsq83ZNjMYb4cCCXG+17+LutDiPsiJp3zionic4NBERa0WaLDXG/TuqRyxUr428y88M3HTz81/1XiV1VU1Zqaakieymypw57Wta5jCC8OwHoANVqj2oqo6WVpcHytqTTNkxubWyLsB7x3sPgulpvZ1rJoZzLI90UXJ8RacxqcnG1y7XuvA+yMJjnjc555spnyuA+N+liwgaWt1upWTHsmv+sh4cvMX39fBFPwXjVSKiKNzp545Lhzpad8Rjda4IdaxabW1XhR8fqm0U1dJNnbKOOPBoaHZgZuI36i2i6Thns+6KTmPqp5zYtAe4BgH9RoAJ8yvB3s+2Cilp42OqQc3YPc1jnZHIgODbAjppuAjyQvju9yFhy1y+H7FRXy8QpmQSPq2yCSWJrxg0FuRGjXdRuNh3WzU+0slLLWx1Ds8WianuALg+HDS17G3oHdlR03BZZX08bYqwBkjHONQ5vJia0hxDLWyva17fJdDxvhJqa+lBiPLiaXvkI8LtQWsv11aD6nzWktCaUq68V/RjB5GnKF8rm39f9LjgIm+jRmocXSluTrgC19Q2wA22UKxOxRcLduz1YqkkZIiKCwREQBERAEREAREQBERAEREBDtiiO2KICGOuAVktOKa3wWy2UHqpoizNFjkO6ZDuoJMkWOQ7pkO6AyRY5DumQ7oDJFjkO6ZDugMkWOQ7pkO6AyRY5DuodKB1QCV1gUWrLLkimitn//Z" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; 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For an overview of the 2009 SACE biofuel operations, watch the popular CNN video: <i><a href="https://vimeo.com/130888223?utm_source=email&utm_medium=clip-transcode_complete-finished-20120100&utm_campaign=7701&email_id=Y2xpcF90cmFuc2NvZGVkfDk1YzgxYmE1ODgyNzVhM2QzZWQ2MTc3NGVjYjE3Y2EwMzUwfDI0MzAzNzc2fDE0MzQ0NzIxMTZ8NzcwMQ%3D%3D">City Aims for Zero Waste</a></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2010 the Energy Tax Credit renewal was delayed causing strife within a fragile, emerging industry. Most of the Atlanta market biofuel production facilities closed along with the SACE retail station. For <a href="http://elementalimpact.org/">Elemental Impact</a>, the scenario revealed the ZWZ Criteria was not grounded in solid economics; the biofuels industry seemed dependent on the Energy Tax Credit for economic sustenance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Working closely with SACE, Ei launched <a href="http://www.elementalimpact.org/GREASE">GREASE</a> - <b>G</b>rease <b>R</b>ecycling & <b>E</b>nergy <b>A</b>lternative <b>S</b>olutions for the <b>E</b>nvironment, a task force to address the biofuels criteria </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">viability</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. First on the agenda was addressing the "local" requirement. With out-of-state options available, Ei expanded local to include facilities within a 500-mile radius.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The spent grease ZWZ Criteria was grounded in highest good use versus landfill diversion. Spent grease is a valuable commodity with foodservice operators receiving rebates for grease collection. Next on the GREASE agenda was to address the final destination; the majority of the spent grease was destined for rendering plants as an ingredient in animal feed.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-gdw_4aaLA/T-aMrkfnJQI/AAAAAAAABMU/iLJ9ujgvkc8/s1600/06-21-12+McKay+and+Anne+near+fueling+station.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-gdw_4aaLA/T-aMrkfnJQI/AAAAAAAABMU/iLJ9ujgvkc8/s200/06-21-12+McKay+and+Anne+near+fueling+station.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McKay Johnson of CEB &<br />
Anne Blair of SACE @ opening</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To learn first-hand about spent grease destinations, Roy Edwards, <a href="http://georgia.gov/agencies/georgia-department-natural-resources-sustainability-division">Georgia Department of Natural Resources Sustainability Division</a>, and Ei founder Holly Elmore visited the <a href="http://www.griffinind.com/">Griffin Industries</a> rendering plant in Ellenwood, GA. The ZWA Blog post, <i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2011/03/bi-products-of-mass-food-production.html">The By-Products of Mass Food Production</a></i>, is a tour overview.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the <a href="http://www.restaurant.org/Home">National Restaurant Association</a> purchased the ZWZ in 2012, any revisions to the spent grease program criteria landed in their court. Complete with addressing spent grease destinations, the GREASE task force went into a holding pattern. For details on the NRA ZWA purchase, read the ZWA Blog post,<i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2012/10/ei-established-program-creator.html"> National Restaurant Association Acquires Zero Waste Zones</a></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2012 SACE reopened their Atlanta biofuel retail station in partnership with <a href="http://cleanenergybiofuels.com/">Clean Energy Biofuels</a>. The ZWA Blog post, <i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2012/06/atlanta-retails-biodiesel-station-opens.html">Atlanta Retail Biofuel Station Opens</a></i>, recaps the grand opening and the Ei FB album, <i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.463490490345375.123095.120919654602462&type=1" target="_blank">06-21-12 Biodiesel Fueling Station Grand Opening</a>, </i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">is a pictorial overview.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-256VvGXYcQY/VfCPhZEdYdI/AAAAAAAACro/h47yWjEr0s8/s1600/grease%2Baccumulation%2Bin%2Bkitchen%2Bexhaust%2Bsystem%2Bducts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-256VvGXYcQY/VfCPhZEdYdI/AAAAAAAACro/h47yWjEr0s8/s200/grease%2Baccumulation%2Bin%2Bkitchen%2Bexhaust%2Bsystem%2Bducts.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grease accumulation in kitchen<br />exhaust system ducts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again working with SACE, GREASE returns to action mode with an expanded grease definition to include the following three types generated in foodservice operations:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Spent Grease</u> - used grease from fryers, often referred to as yellow grease</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>F.O.G - Fats, Oils & Grease</u> - grease collected from grease traps, often referred to as brown grease</span></li>
<li><u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kitchen Hood Grease</u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - airborne grease accumulated in the exhaust system from kitchen operations</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ith spent grease addressed, the GREASE Team will focus on FOG and kitchen hood grease. Current destinations are shifting for FOG. Until the recent past, the common FOG destination was direct land application or the landfill. Improved technologies and an expanding biofuels market support "cleaning" FOG with the grease going to biofuel production and food particulates sent for composting or to the landfill.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69uVp_igGlE/VfCPrQsIhaI/AAAAAAAACrw/wLdhO0Qpp9w/s1600/installed%2BGLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69uVp_igGlE/VfCPrQsIhaI/AAAAAAAACrw/wLdhO0Qpp9w/s200/installed%2BGLS.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">installed GLS</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the ZWA Blog post, <i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2013/05/zero-water-waste-more-than-goal.html">Zero WATER Waste: more than a goal, a necessity</a></i>, the importance of addressing kitchen hood grease, along with its related water use and contamination, is introduced. Ei joined forces with <a href="http://www.csinternationalinc.com/">Compliance Solutions International </a>for a three-restaurant pilot substantiating the <a href="http://www.greaselock.com/">Grease Lock System</a> airborne </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grease collection success. For pilot details, see the ZWA Blog post, <i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2013/08/grease-new-frontier-filled-with.html">GREASE: a new frontier filled with economic & environmental promise</a></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Understanding the intrinsic kitchen grease value, <a href="http://www.atlanta-airport.com/">Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport </a>took the first steps in assessing the types, quantities and current destinations of grease generated at the airport concessionaire operations. In August, SACE and Ei met with an airport team to begin the assessment process. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDekfDauC8M/Ug-fK11L8FI/AAAAAAAAB6E/oZ7S2omvzKU/s1600/08-14-13+GREASE+mtg+@+ATL+Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDekfDauC8M/Ug-fK11L8FI/AAAAAAAAB6E/oZ7S2omvzKU/s200/08-14-13+GREASE+mtg+@+ATL+Airport.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GREASE Team @ ATL Airpot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the <a href="http://elementalimpact.org/SFCI_ATL_Airport_Pilot">Sustainable Food Court Initiative Airport Pilot,</a> the Atlanta Airport is an industry leader in adopting sustainable practices for its food court and restaurant operations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2011, the Atlanta Airport won a <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs035/1102463494613/archive/1108299568589.html">Going Green Airports Award</a> for the groundbreaking compostable packaging provision in the new airport concessionaire contracts. The ZWA Blog post, <a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2011/10/atlanta-airport-makes-bold-sustainable.html"><i>Atlanta Airport Makes Bold Sustainable Statement</i></a>, announces the new contract provision and the <i><a href="http://zerowastezone.blogspot.com/2011/10/atlanta-airport-sfci-pilot-wins.html">Atlanta Airport SFCI Pilot Wins National Award </a></i>post is an overview of the prestigious award.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With GREASE reactivated, the definition of "waste" in zero waste expands beyond traditional recyclable material to include grease generated in commercial foodservice operations. Water usage in commercial operations is another expanded zero waste component. Diversion rates will soon broaden from "diversion to landfill" to sewer systems and other waterways. The Zero Waste Evolution is activated!</span></div>
Holly Elmorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320051691727973987noreply@blogger.com3