Domtar’s Windsor plant recently obtained ISO 50001 certification, an international standard that recognizes organizations for improving energy management. The certification is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to reduce its environmental footprint and reinforces the performance of the plant, which is considered one of the most efficient in North America.
Two years ago, the unit implemented a new energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) management plan, coordinating all the actions and studies needed to meet the certification requirements.
The initiative has contributed to reducing the plant’s energy costs, one of the main budget items, and is in line with Domtar’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
DATA-BASED MANAGEMENT DRIVES IMPROVEMENTS
ISO 50001 establishes a framework for companies to develop energy efficiency policies, set targets and use data to inform decisions. As part of this process, the Windsor plant committed to reducing its energy consumption by 2%, the equivalent of supplying 2,000 homes.
To achieve this goal, the unit has implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor energy consumption and identify opportunities for improvement. A practical example is the monitoring of excess oxygen levels in the boilers, allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain operational efficiency. In addition, the plant has developed a detailed energy model and control panels that enable management and operators to evaluate the performance of the systems and identify areas for optimization.
ENGAGEMENT OF THE ENTIRE TEAM WAS ESSENTIAL FOR CERTIFICATION
Achieving ISO 50001 certification required the involvement of all levels of the plant, from leadership to operators. To ensure this buy-in, the team responsible shared the benefits of certification, including alignment with Canada’s GHG reduction targets, Domtar’s proximity to the net zero emissions goal and a competitive advantage in the market by meeting customer demand for energy efficiency.
The Windsor site’s certification was completed in January 2025 and is valid for three years, with annual audits. Recertification in 2028 will depend on meeting the energy consumption reduction target. To date, the plant has already achieved significant reductions and continues to implement ongoing improvements to maintain the trajectory of efficiency and sustainability.
