Industry is responsible for 25% of the UK’s total CO2 emissions. Electricity is used to drive equipment, run processes and a range of fuels are used to generate heat, for example oil, natural gas, diesel and so on. However, with the appropriate support and technologies, some industry sectors could make substantial energy savings. This will only be achieved by getting to the heart of manufacturing processes as this can account for up to 90% of a company’s energy consumption.
There are a number of important things to consider in order to reduce carbon emissions and save money. For example, are some raw materials used more than others? Does the product mix alter? How can standby time and changeovers be reduced? Can higher efficiency equipment be used? Is it better to upgrade, repair of remanufacture? What are the options regarding the reuse of equipment? By understanding the energy flow in manufacturing processes, a business case can be built for innovation in process control and the uptake of low-carbon technologies. Good housekeeping is also paramount in terms of becoming an energy saving business. Simple measures such as ensuring that draughts are excluded, using energy saving light bulbs or motion sensors on lights in toilets, kitchen and so on (1).
There is plenty of support available to businesses, providing advice on how to reduce emissions and become more energy efficient. For example, the Carbon Trust provides an Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator which works by identifying, then addressing, the barriers to implementation of ways to reduce emissions in industrial processes. This programme first investigates how certain processes work in terms of energy flow and then seeks to identify improvements in these processes in equipment replacement or upgrades. The Carbon Trust then funds projects that implement innovative new carbon technologies in order to demonstrate changes made are beneficial for whole sectors to implement changes. Finally, demonstrated solutions are then promoted to encourage relevant trade associations to also implement changes. The Carbon Trust has been successful in introducing this scheme to around 20 sectors and is looking for companies to participate in the programme. They help companies identify opportunities for carbon and cost savings and fund projects that demonstrate innovative carbon technologies in order to encourage businesses to make the necessary changes and improvements to reduce carbon emissions. Allowing The Carbon Trust to work closely with your business will mean energy saving opportunities will be investigated in your manufacturing processes.
An example of how The Carbon Trust has offered a new and improved industrial process is a project undertaken by the University of Edinburgh. The aim of the project was to develop a new process that will convert CO2 into gaseous and liquid fluids. By using a catalyst preparation technology, the performance of electro catalysts was enhanced, facilitating the conversion of CO2 to gaseous and liquid fluids (2). Thus, they discovered that rather than CO2 from industrial processes being released into the atmosphere, it can be recycled into a more useful form.
Moreover, another support service is Envirowise and WRAP. They offer construction companies and their supply chains free, independent advice and support on practical ways to increase profit, become more resource efficient, comply with new regulations and minimise waste and disposal costs. For example, one support scheme, called the ‘Rippleffect’, helps businesses understand their water use, identify simple water saving steps and measure cost savings made by implementing such steps. The programme helps companies identify valuable cost savings and set targets for improvement (3). Another programme is ‘Rethink Waste’ initiative to help companies reduce waste. Waste costs money and by finding ways to reduce waste businesses could become more profitable.
Furthermore, Solutions for Business is a suite of publicly funded business support products and services designed to help business start, grow and succeed. WRAP funds and delivers the ‘Improving your Resource Efficiency’ part of the Solutions for Business. This provides funding opportunities such as construction waste recycling infrastructure, organics and so on, and guidance for recycling businesses (4).
Another aid to investigating energy saving opportunities within industry is NetRegs. They provide free environmental guidance for small to medium sized businesses in the UK. They help companies comply with environmental law and show them how to save money by using their resources more efficiently. Relevant information on the latest environmental legislation affecting your company can be sent to you as updates and their self-assessment tool allows you to assess your environmental compliance. This means you can manage your business’ waste, emissions, impact on land and water, energy use, carbon footprint and resource use (5).
The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is the largest professional membership body for the environment that works across all industry sectors. They are the leading providers of Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Environmental Assessments. They too, can help you to investigate how your company can become more resource and energy efficient (6).
Moreover, if you are looking to incorporate renewable energy into your business, the Renewable Energy Centre can give you a practical introduction to renewable technologies, advice about installation, a directory of contractors and suppliers and links to sources of funding (7).
Becoming an energy saving business may seam like an onerous and potentially expensive task but this is far from the case. Energy savings through the introduction of low carbon technologies and innovation in the manufacturing processes means cost savings for business and industry sectors. Therefore, energy efficiency is not just an environmental initiative, it is good commercial sense. In addition, energy intensive industries can benefit from an 80% discount on the Climate Change Levy if challenging targets (Climate Change Agreements) are met for improving energy efficiency or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There is also the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme which allows industry to write off against taxable profits 100% of the capital cost of investment in energy saving technologies and products for the first year. Such incentives, together with the spiralling cost of energy, are encouraging more and more industries to invest in energy efficiency.
(3) www.environwise.wrap.co.uk
(4) www.wrap.org.uk
(5) www.enironment-agency.gov.uk
(6) www.iema.net
