Waupaca Foundry energy manager recognized for sustainability efforts

October 14, 2024

WAUPACA – Marco Gonzalez, corporate energy manager at Waupaca Foundry, has been selected as the Energy Manager of the Year for the Midwest by the Association of Energy Engineers.

The designation is presented to individuals for outstanding accomplishments in promoting the practices and principles of energy management and development.

In his role at Waupaca, Gonzalez is responsible for leading the company’s energy and decarbonization efforts at plants nationwide.

Gonzalez and a team of environmental engineers at each foundry operation have achieved the following sustainability benchmarks:

• Reduced its Scope 1 & Scope 2 energy intensity by 21% since 2010
• Joined the U.S. Better Climate Challenge in 2022
• Joined the U.S. Better Buildings Low Carbon Pilot program in 2021
• Earned ISO 50001 energy management certification at its Plant 1 grey iron foundry in 2016
• Prepared its first CDP report (FKA Carbon Disclosure Project), and the first U.S. metal caster to do so, in 2015 
• Developed a formal energy plan and roadmap in 2014
• Joined the U.S. DOE Better Buildings, Better Plants Save Energy Now program in 2009

Mike Nikolai, Waupaca Foundry president, COO and CEO, said with Gonzalez’s leadership and commitment, they have reduced its energy requirements by 22% since 2009.

Waupaca Foundry has embedded sustainable business practices into its operations – the following results have been achieved:

• 80% of spent foundry byproducts (sand) are recycled
• Water consumption has decreased by 70%
• Air pollution control systems at all plants are considered as “best available” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and associated state regulatory agencies