Michael Kennedy
CHMM
Owens Corning | Water Compliance and Sustainability Lead
Speaker
Track E: Lessons from Leaders in Industrial Decarbonization
Session E3: Making it Happen: Project Implementation from Start to Finish
September 27, 2024 | 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Water Treasure Hunt Findings at Owens Corning – Newark Insulation
In May 2024, through the Better Plants program with the Department of Energy, Owens Corning conducted a Treasure Hunt In-Plant Training (INPLT) at the Newark (OH) Insulation Plant, one of the company’s largest insulation plants. The team focused on identifying the true cost of water to identify the largest savings opportunities. Through this INPLT, the facility identified savings opportunities of over 50% of annual usage per year. Already, the plant has achieved about 20% of these savings opportunities. Owens Corning plans to take these lessons learned and apply them to other insulation plants, as well as plants in other business units to achieve even greater water savings company wide.
Speaker Bio
Michael has been with Owens Corning for just over a year, working on assisting sites to maintain compliance with environmental regulations, and reduce water withdrawal. Prior to joining Owens Corning, he worked for General Motors for 7 years as an Environmental Leader, supporting environmental operations at various facilities for water, air, and waste compliance as well as implementing sustainability initiatives. He has additional experience working in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) providing regulatory oversight for permitted wastewater facilities. Michael earned master’s degrees in environmental science and public affairs from Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy from Michigan State University. Additionally, Michael is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) and a Certified Industrial and Construction Storm Water Operator.
Michael and his wife Meghan live near Charlotte, NC, and have two daughters, 7 and 5. Some of Michael's hobbies include traveling, playing with his girls, SCUBA diving, snow skiing, pickleball, and just about any sport.