Chemicals

Making chemical plants efficient, safer, and better for health and the climate.

The chemical industry is responsible for a significant share of U.S. industrial emissions due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, both to power manufacturing processes and for use as the raw materials for petrochemicals (feedstocks) that produce products we consume. 

Additionally, communities near chemical manufacturing plants are exposed to high levels of toxic emissions. This underscores the importance of reducing emissions of all kinds from the sector to protect our climate and the health of communities.  

Chemical plants themselves can also benefit from improving their efficiency, especially in a highly competitive global market. For example, available measures in ethylene plants could result in 30% efficiency gains. 

The centerpiece of ACEEE’s engagement in the chemical sector is through the Chemical Catalyst Collaborative. The Collaborative brings together organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to protecting communities’ health and the climate by reducing toxic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the chemical manufacturing industry.