Millar Western began to explore ways to reduce its energy usage in 2003, starting with an energy efficiency review of its Whitecourt pulp mill. A full mill energy balance study was followed by a pinch analysis, which was aimed at minimizing energy consumption of chemical processes by calculating thermodynamically feasible energy targets and achieving them by optimizing heat recovery systems, energy supply methods and process operating conditions. This analysis led to a gas reduction initiative divided into four elements focused on the increased use of low-grade waste heat to offset the use of natural gas in the mill's boiler and flash dryers.