Pollution Prevention & Resource Efficiency

AirQuest has a Professional Engineer and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals on staff.  Our approach to pollution prevention and resource efficiency meets the following objectives:

  • Reduce or eliminate pollution or adverse impacts to human health and the environment from our projects
  • Design and implement best management practices that promote the most sustainable use of energy and other resources
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Pollution Prevention

Pollution prevention is evaluated from a life cycle review of the process considering all raw materials and their acquisition through final processing.  Elimination of pollution sources through substitution or process design is considered.  When pollutants cannot be eliminated, the goal is to minimize impacts to the air, soil, ground and surface waters to the extent feasible using Good International Industry Practices (GIIP).

Greenhouse gas emissions are minimized through careful design and consideration of the entire life cycle of the project.  Projects that will produce a significant carbon load are benchmarked against GIIP and a system for periodic process review is developed.

Resource Efficiency

Energy efficiency analysis includes a systematic review of potential energy efficiency improvements.  Improvements may include reducing the load, improving energy distribution, use of lower-carbon fuels, and improving energy conversion efficiencies.  AirQuest’s LEED AP® professionals pay particular attention to process heating, energy conversion and process cooling.

Water is a precious resource that cannot be wasted or used without careful consideration.  During all stages of process and design review, AirQuest incorporates technically feasible water conservation measures.  If necessary, alternative project locations are considered if significant water usage is required and alternative locations would reduce impact to the environment or society. Waste is minimized to the extent possible.  When waste must be generated, the quantity is reduced through re-use and recycling.