Methodology – Loca,on Assessment
1. Data Collec3on and Research:
• Gather quan3ta3ve and qualita3ve data from state and federal sources and industry reports.
• Leverage a combina3on of secondary data resources and primary interviews with local stakeholders when necessary.
2. GIS Spa3al Analysis:
• Implement GIS tools to visualize data layers and geographical indices.
• Overlay exis3ng infrastructure and demographic maps to iden3fy poten3al loca3ons that fit the defined criteria.
3. Screening and Shortlis3ng:
• Develop a weighted scoring system tailored to Armacell’s strategic priori3es to evaluate prospec3ve sites.
• Use economic and compe33ve benchmarks to effec3vely filter and priori3ze these loca3ons.
4. Detailed Site Analysis:
• U3lize mul3-criteria analysis (MCA) to assess loca3on strengths, weaknesses, opportuni3es, and threats (SWOT) for iden3fied sites
5. Cost-Benefit and Risk Assessment:
• Perform detailed cost-benefit analysis incorpora3ng financial modeling and scenario planning tailored to each shortlisted loca3on.
• Assess poten3al risks, developing con3ngency strategies to mi3gate iden3fied challenges.
6. Report and Recommenda3ons:
• Compile analysis findings into a comprehensive report with visualiza3ons derived from GIS and data modeling.
• Offer strategic recommenda3ons, including a ranked list of poten3al sites, jus3fied with exhaus3ve insights from the assessment process.
Feasibility Studies
1. Site Assessment
Physical Site Characteris3cs:
• Analyze the current state of sites in Yukon, Spencer, and Conover or poten3al greenfield/brownfield projects, assessing layout, infrastructure, and notable features with an emphasis on the Yukon, OK site.
Environmental Considera3ons:
• Conduct a thorough environmental risk analysis, iden3fying poten3al environmental impacts relevant to each site.
Regulatory Compliance:
• Evaluate each site's adherence to local, state, and federal regula3ons, addressing zoning, environmental laws, and other compliance requirements.
2. Technical Feasibility
Infrastructure Assessment:
• Assess current infrastructure, evalua3ng u3li3es, transporta3on networks, and support capaci3es of each loca3on.
Technical Challenges:
• Iden3fy technical limita3ons or challenges specific to each site.
Solu3ons:
• Develop ac3onable solu3ons or recommenda3ons to address iden3fied technical issues.
3. Financial Feasibility
Cost Analysis:
• Es3mate development and opera3onal costs for each site, inclusive of both capital and ongoing expenses.
Financial Viability:
- Assess the poten3al financial viability for each project op3on.
4. Opera3onal Feasibility:
Opera3onal Requirements:
• Determine key opera3onal needs and challenges for each poten3al development.
Resource Requirements:
• Consult Armacell on personnel, equipment, and resources needed for successful project implementa3on.
Sustainability:
• Consider long-term sustainability and opera3onal efficiency in project plans.
5. Risk Assessment
Iden3fy Poten3al Risks:
• Pinpoint unique risks and poten3al challenges for each site or project type.
Develop Mi3ga3on Strategies:
• Formulate strategies to mi3gate iden3fied risks, ensuring project resilience.
6. Recommenda3ons
Provide Clear Recommenda3ons:
• Deliver structured recommenda3ons based on findings, tailored for decision-making.
Priori3ze Ac3ons:
• Rank recommenda3ons based on strategic importance and feasibility to guide ac3onable planning.
Methodology – Feasibility Studies
1. Site Assessment
• Engage with GIS data to map and analyze physical and environmental afributes, regulatory maps, and compliance data.
• Engage with local authori3es to understand regulatory landscapes affec3ng zoning and building codes as necessary.
2. Technical Feasibility
• Evaluate and detail current infrastructure capabili3es and shorralls.
• Conduct technology requirement audits and propose solu3on pathways.
3. Financial Feasibility
• Prepare detailed financial models that incorporate sensi3vity analyses of es3mated costs
4. Opera3onal Feasibility
• Develop opera3onal models to understand resource needs.
• Evaluate vendor resources and poten3al staffing strategies to afain op3mal efficiency.
5. Risk Assessment
• Use SWOT analysis to pinpoint risks at various project phases.
• Collaborate with risk management specialists to design mi3ga3on frameworks tailored to poten3al challenges iden3fied.
6. Recommenda3ons
• Consolidate findings into a comprehensive report, featuring matrices and visual aids to enhance recourse clarity.
• Leverage mul3-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to priori3ze recommended ac3ons, scheduling cost-benefit advantages against feasibility 3melines.
Approval Roadmap:
• Develop a strategic roadmap for obtaining plant permissions and EHS approvals, with 3melines and responsible par3es.
Methodology - Plant Permissions and EHS Approvals
1. Regulatory Requirements Review:
• Conduct research and consulta3ons with Armacell and regulatory bodies to outline all relevant opera3ng licenses.
• Use legal mapping tools to document mul3-jurisdic3onal approval processes, guiding adherence to specific chemical and material regula3ons.
2. EHS and Compliance Review:
• Assess provided HAZOP studies along with internal process documenta3on to align the opera3onal prac3ces with regulatory requirements.
3. Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment for Exis3ng Sites:
• Perform compara3ve analysis using compliance checklists against current opera3onal data to clarify gaps and deficiencies.
• Implement risk assessment frameworks to model and forecast compliance risks, developing counterac3ve Planning and Mi3ga3on strategies.
4. Documenta3on and Administra3ve Guidance:
• Review applica3on packages for permits and licenses.
• Communicate with local and state regulatory chapters as part of a cohesive administra3ve strategy.
5. Recommenda3ons and Strategy Development:
• Use project management tools to create detailed 3melines and responsibility matrices to guide the approval process.
• Design a dynamic compliance dashboard, integra3ng monitoring protocols for ongoing regula3on adherence. Develop training and procedural manuals for the plant's personnel to stay aligned with the latest EHS protocols.
Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG)
Tenax Strategies will work with RE Tech Advisors, a leading sustainability advisor firm, to conduct the assessment of ESG impact, decarboniza3on, and access to renewable energy. The RE Tech Advisors (RE Tech) team has decades of experience serving the commercial and diversified real estate buildings sector and designs and implements innova3ve and prac3cal sustainability strategies and data-driven solu3ons for our clients. Our strategic advisory services have helped
clients reduce u3lity costs, increase tenant and resident afrac3on and reten3on, and enhance investment decisions regarding acquisi3on, opera3ons, and disposi3ons. We are proud to be a Woman-Led Business based in McLean, VA with an addi3onal office in Dallas, TX and staff located na3onwide. Our team of over 130 professionals has worked with many leading professional associa3ons, non-profit organiza3ons, real estate investors, developers, owners, and operators on award-winning energy efficiency and sustainability programs.
RE Tech has led or supported over 100 decarboniza3on ini3a3ves for major companies, asset porrolios, and federal agencies, covering more than $1.5 trillion of AUM, 5 billion square feet and 25,000 assets. RE Tech has successfully posi3oned more than 100 ins3tu3onal clients as leaders through strategic communica3ons services including sustainability reports, thought leadership, white papers, policy enhancements, investor rela3ons, and website op3miza3on.
Further, RE Tech has performed thousands of desktop sustainability/climate risk acquisi3on assessments for our clients’ buildings, assessing and evalua3ng risks and opportuni3es associated with climate risk, sustainability and ESG during the acquisi3on period.
RE Tech is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legence. Legence is the world’s first Energy Transi3on Accelerator™ that provides advisory services and implementa3on delivery focused on designing, financing, building, and servicing complex systems in mission-cri3cal and high-performance facili3es. With more than five decades of exper3se in the built environment and new construc3on, Legence has a proven track record of reducing carbon emissions, implemen3ng renewables, lowering u3lity costs through efficiency consump3on, and making systems run befer at unmatched speed and scale. RE Tech is well posi3oned to meet the growing market demand for sustainability advisory services, and Legence provides unparalleled support while maintaining cri3cal data firewalls ensuring client privacy.
Our extensive industry rela3onships blended with our technical, marke3ng, and program management capabili3es enable us to design and implement crea3ve solu3ons and strategies that reduce costs, enhance opera3ons, and create compe33ve dis3nc3on.
I. Environmental (E) Considera3ons
1. Access to Renewal Energy:
• Assess grid-level access to renewable energy
• Review proposed renewable energy infrastructure projects in the surrounding area
2. Energy Efficiency:
• Collaborate with architects and energy specialists to integrate energy-efficient designs into the planning phase.
• Propose renewable energy solu3ons, such as solar panels, as integral components of the project design.
• Plan for sustainable water management systems and technologies.
• Aim for green building cer3fica3ons (LEED, WELL) as targets during the design process.
II. Social (S) Considera3ons
1. Labor Prac3ces:
• Develop local workforce plans emphasizing good labor prac3ces from the outset to maximize local labor opportuni3es.
• Incorporate community engagement strategies in the project ini3a3on phase to understand and address local concerns and needs.
2. Community Impact:
• Plan to priori3ze local hiring for contractors and suppliers.
• Address poten3al environmental jus3ce issues proac3vely during the planning phase.
III. Governance (G) Considera3ons
1. Transparency and Accountability:
• Develop clear ESG performance repor3ng systems as part of project governance from the beginning.
• Plan stakeholder engagement strategies to address concerns early in the project lifecycle.
Methodology - ESG
1. Environmental (E) Considera3ons
Design and Planning Integra3on:
• Evaluate the share of renewable energy in selected areas and at specific, iden3fied loca3ons
• Use industry-standard tools and collaborate with engineering teams to embed energyefficient and renewable solu3ons from the design stage. Implement water management strategies informed by early analyses.
2. Social (S) Considera3ons
Workforce and Community Planning:
• Consult local specialists early on to ensure labor prac3ces align with project goals. Conduct community workshops in the ini3al phases for meaningful stakeholder engagement.
3. Governance (G) Considera3ons
Repor3ng System Development:
• Evaluate the likelihood and impact of these risks on the site’s development and opera3ons.
2. Risk Mi3ga3on Strategies:
• Develop robust mi3ga3on strategies to lessen iden3fied risks.
• Priori3ze risks based on their poten3al impact and develop ac3on plans accordingly.
3. Con3ngency Planning:
• Prepare con3ngency plans to swi_ly respond to unforeseen challenges.
• Ensure that there are mechanisms for periodic review and upda3ng of risk management plans.
Methodology – Strategic Recommendations
1. Investment Analysis and Es3ma3on
Data Collec3on and Analysis:
• Use historical data from similar projects to forecast capital and opera3onal expenditures.
• Collaborate with financial analysts to create dynamic investment models that incorporate variables such as infla3on, interest rates, and local economic condi3ons.
Scenario Planning:
• Develop mul3ple investment scenarios to examine the site’s financial sustainability under different market and opera3onal condi3ons.
• U3lize sensi3vity analyses to understand how changes in assump3ons affect the financial projec3ons.
Stakeholder Engagement:
• Engage with poten3al financiers and local economic development agencies to explore financing and incen3ve opportuni3es.
• Conduct stakeholder interviews to gain insights into the economic impacts of the development.
2. Job Crea3on and Workforce Planning
Labor Market Research:
• Collaborate with local labor offices and economic organiza3ons to gather data on the regional workforce.
• Use market intelligence tools to track employment trends and skill requirements in the industry.
Collabora3ve Forecas3ng:
• Employ workshops with industry experts and educa3onal ins3tu3ons to refine job crea3on forecasts.
3. Risk Management Planning
Risk Workshops:
• Facilitate risk iden3fica3on workshops with project stakeholders, including local government representa3ves and industry experts.
• Use risk matrices to visually determine the priority and poten3al impact of each iden3fied risk.
Mi3ga3on Strategy Development:
• Collaborate with risk management consultants to outline prac3cal risk reduc3on strategies.
• Regularly review and adapt risk strategies based on project developments and external factors.
Building Availability & Suitability
1. Iden3fica3on of Available Op3ons:
• Conduct a comprehensive market analysis to survey available buildings in key loca3ons of interest.
• Iden3fy and catalog exis3ng sites, focusing on transac3onal viability for acquisi3on or lease opportuni3es.
2. Assessment of Current Sites:
• Review Armacell’s current facili3es in Yukon, Spencer, and Conover.
• Evaluate the opera3onal efficiency, capacity, and expansion poten3al of exis3ng sites.
3. Evalua3on of New Projects:
• Assess poten3al brownfield and greenfield sites for development opportuni3es.
• Analyze the strategic importance of each site in terms of logis3cs, supply chain efficiency, and proximity to key markets or resources.
4. Site Suitability Evalua3on:
• Perform a detailed suitability analysis encompassing legal, environmental, structural, and opera3onal aspects.
• Evaluate compa3bility with industry regula3ons and Armacell’s opera3onal needs.
5. Recommenda3ons and Repor3ng:
• Provide a compara3ve analysis of available site op3ons with respect to strategic goals.
• Deliver a comprehensive report with recommenda3ons for site selec3on based on findings.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Advisory:
• Engage with internal stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on strategic loca3on decisions.
• Offer con3nuous advisory support throughout the site selec3on process.
Methodology - Building Availability & Suitability
1. Iden3fica3on of Available Op3ons
Market Analysis:
• Conduct property market research using real estate databases and local realtors.
• Engage with commercial real estate networks for insights into upcoming availability.
Cataloging:
• Develop a database of proper3es with key parameters such as size, cost, loca3on, and zoning data.
• Use geographic informa3on systems (GIS) to map poten3al sites geographically.
2. Assessment of Current Sites
Evalua3on:
• Analyze opera3onal metrics (produc3on capacity, personnel capabili3es) and structural assessments of current establishments.
Capacity Analysis:
• Use data analy3cs tools to assess historical performance and capacity u3liza3on.
• Remote sessions with local site managers to gain qualita3ve insights.
3. Evalua3on of New Projects
Brownfield Assessment:
• Use environmental experts for brownfield assessments focusing on remedia3on poten3al and costs.
• Conduct feasibility studies to evaluate exis3ng infrastructure’s adaptability.
Greenfield Prospects:
• Assess infrastructural availability and land acquisi3on costs.
• Execute development 3meline simula3ons and resource alloca3on models for firststage development.
4. Site Suitability Evalua3on
Legal and Environmental Compliance:
• Evaluate regulatory landscape to ensure poten3al sites adhere to zoning, environmental laws, and building codes.
• Provide guidance on op3mizing the incen3ve structure and nego3a3ng terms to enhance project viability.
4. Recommenda3ons for Op3mal State Loca3ons:
• Deliver insights into which states provide the most advantageous incen3ve packages concerning Armacell’s business strategy and opera3onal plans.
• Include an evalua3on of geographical, legal, and economic factors impac3ng such decisions.
5. Repor3ng and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Cra_ detailed reports and presenta3ons outlining poten3al incen3ves and strategic recommenda3ons.
• Engage with Armacell's stakeholders to align findings with corporate objec3ves and preferences.
Methodology – Incentives
1. Iden3fica3on of Available Incen3ves
Desktop Research:
• U3lize state government resources, economic development agency reports, and tax authority databases to gather informa3on on current incen3ves.
• Evaluate secondary sources such as independent research studies and industry trend reports.
Stakeholder Interviews:
• Conduct interviews with economic development officials and industry experts to gather insights on lesser-known programs.
• Engage with tax consultants familiar with state incen3ve policies to gather in-depth perspec3ves.
2. Compara3ve Evalua3on of State Incen3ves
Financial Modeling and Analysis:
• U3lize financial modeling to simulate the impact of various incen3ve packages on project costs and profitability.
• Perform cost-benefit analyses for incen3ves from different states, factoring in upfront savings versus long-term financial commitments.
Policy and Regulatory Review:
• Review regulatory requirements associated with each incen3ve.
• Analyze reciprocal obliga3ons (e.g., job crea3on, environmental standards) 3ed to the incen3ves.
3. Strategic Advisory on Incen3ve Acquisi3on
Applica3on Strategy Development:
• Create an overview for applying to state programs, addressing documenta3on requirements and 3melines.
• Develop recommenda3ons for tailored proposals emphasizing Armacell’s project benefits to state economies (e.g., job crea3on, economic ac3vity).
4. Recommenda3ons for Op3mal State Loca3ons
Mul3-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA):
• Employ MCDA tools to weigh strategic factors such as incen3ve value, logis3c advantages, workforce availability, and market alignment.
• Collaborate with mul3-disciplinary team to map synergy between incen3ves and Armacell’s business objec3ves.
5. Repor3ng and Stakeholder Engagement
Comprehensive Documenta3on:
• Prepare detailed incen3ve profiles for each state considered, highligh3ng benefits, requirements, and strategic fit.
• Deliver compelling presenta3ons with data visualiza3ons (graphs, charts) for internal review by key decision-makers.
Interac3ve Engagement:
• Organize interac3ve workshops or webinars with stakeholders to discuss findings and refine objec3ves.
• Establish feedback channels to incorporate stakeholder preferences and insights into final recommenda3ons.
Review Matrix
1. Define Evalua3on Criteria:
• Collaborate with Armacell stakeholders to determine the cri3cal criteria for evalua3ng loca3on op3ons.
• Ensure the criteria align with Armacell’s strategic priori3es, project objec3ves, and business needs.
2. Develop the Review Matrix:
• Design a comprehensive matrix tool that clearly presents the pros and cons of each poten3al loca3on.
• Include quan3ta3ve and qualita3ve metrics that accurately reflect the cri3cal evalua3on criteria.
3. Data Collec3on and Analysis:
• Collect and analyze relevant data for each proposed loca3on, focusing on factors influencing the decision (e.g., cost, market accessibility, workforce availability).
• U3lize both primary and secondary data sources for thorough informa3on gathering.
4. Populate the Review Matrix:
• Input data and insights into the matrix to provide a balanced and compara3ve view of loca3on op3ons.
• Highlight key differen3ators and any poten3al risks or challenges associated with each op3on.
5. Recommenda3ons and Repor3ng:
• Interpret the matrix results to formulate clear, ac3onable recommenda3ons for loca3on selec3on.
• Prepare a final report and presenta3on explaining the methodology, matrix data, conclusions, and recommended ac3ons.
Methodology - Review Matrix
1. Define Evalua3on Criteria
Stakeholder Workshops:
• Organize workshops or interviews with key stakeholders to iden3fy decision-making priori3es and specific factors impacrul to Armacell.
• Facilitate consensus-building sessions to ensure alignment on evalua3on criteria.
Criteria Selec3on:
• Consider including factors such as cost, logis3cal advantages, incen3ve availability, workforce quality, regulatory environment, proximity to key supply chains, and poten3al growth opportuni3es.
• Validate criteria through industry benchmarks and project-specific requirements.
2. Develop the Review Matrix
Matrix Design:
• Create a user-friendly matrix with designated rows and columns that enable clear comparison. U3lize data visualiza3on tools for enhanced clarity.
• Incorporate weigh3ngs and scoring systems to quan3fy the importance of each criterion.
Tool Selec3on:
• Choose appropriate so_ware or plarorms (e.g., Excel, Tableau) for matrix construc3on and data visualiza3on.
• Design the matrix to be scalable and adaptable, allowing easy updates as new data emerges.
3. Data Collec3on and Analysis
Data Collec3on:
• Collect quan3ta3ve data such as financial costs, distance measurements, and incen3ve values from trusted databases and public records.
• Gather qualita3ve insights through stakeholder interviews, surveys, and expert consulta3ons.
Data Analysis:
• Conduct SWOT analyses to understand each loca3on's strengths, weaknesses, opportuni3es, and threats.
• Ensure data integrity and relevance through cross-referencing mul3ple data sources.
6. Populate the Review Matrix
Data Input:
• Accurately enter data into the matrix, ensuring transparent and easy-to-understand informa3on representa3on.
• Use visual tools (e.g., color-coding, symbols) to emphasize key pros and cons.
5. Recommenda3ons and Repor3ng
Interpreta3on and Synthesis:
• Analyze the matrix output to synthesize insights, formula3ng recommenda3ons based on compara3ve analysis and overall strategic fit.
• Iden3fy the top loca3on op3on(s) based on weighted scores and poten3al alignment with Armacell’s goals.
Communica3on of Findings:
• Develop comprehensive repor3ng materials, including detailed explana3ons of methodology, criteria, findings, and ra3onale for recommenda3ons.
• Present findings through interac3ve workshops to drive informed decision-making among stakeholders.
