Schneider Electric has led the way in Australia, achieving ISO 50001 EnergyManagement certification at its Gepps Cross manufacturing plant.
The certification includes acommitment from the company to reduce energy usage at the site by 10 per cent over the next three years.
Schneider Electric A/NZ zone president, Gareth O'Reilly, said that as a leader in energy management and automation, Schneider Electric knows that what is good for the environment is often also good for business.
Reducing energy consumption, creating efficient and connected systems and continually evaluating business behaviours can all have a positive effect on the bottom line.
“Achieving the ISO 50001 Certification reinforces our position as a leader in energy-efficient technologies, and allows us to demonstrate to our customers exactly how our products and solutions can be used to improve their businesses," O’Reilly said.
The certification is intended to improve energy performance through activities such as creation and achievement of energy performance goals and the tracking of key performance indicators. The certification also requires a continuous reduction of the energy usage at the site, as well the identification of ongoing improvement opportunities.
“From here on in, every move we make from an infrastructure or procedural point of view needs to be considered in the context of possible energy savings,” he said.
“The certification is not only about providing energy efficiencies, but it is about fostering a culture of energy awareness and conservation in our people.”
Using the same process which Schneider Electric employs when working with clients, the first step in achieving the certification was to carry out an energy audit.
The in depth EnergySTEP Audit included walkthroughs, detailed analysis and follow ups of processes and equipment usage at the site. As a result of the audit, 23 energy opportunities were registered.
These include introducing a shut down/start up procedure, reducing the pressure set point of air supply and conducting an ultrasonic air leak survey.
The audit also identified which machines and areas of the site were the most significant in terms on energy usage. Energy KPIs have now been set for these areas. Motion sensors, harmonic filters, and new LED lighting have all been installed as a result of the audit.
A Schneider Electric metering solution has been installed at the site to ensure that energy usage is accurately recorded.
This monitoring is also a requirement for ongoing ISO 50001 certification. The energy meters have been connected to an EGX300 Gateway which allows the data to be monitored remotely, from anywhere with an internet connection.
Using Schneider Electric’s Energy Operation software, the figures can be quickly translated into easy to digest dashboards and reports.
“These dashboards are being displayed at our site to demonstrate our firm commitment toenvironment and energy conservation," O'Reilly said.
"We encourage our employees to speak up if they identify an area where energy savings can be made, and these visual reminders help to keep our energy goals front of mind.”
Schneider Electric’s Global Headquarters in Paris, The Hive, was one of the first buildings to receive ISO 50001 certification globally. The certification works alongside the ISO 14001 Environmental System Certification which promotes environmental awareness regarding the mindful disposal of waste in manufacturing settings.
“Our next step is to achieve this certification at our manufacturing site in Christchurch, New Zealand,”he added. “The manufacturing industry remains crucial for Australia and its economy and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
"In order to be successful, especially in a competitive global market, Australian manufacturers need to think differently. Innovative technologies to drive initiatives such as energy efficiency are just the beginning. We are proud of the achievements we have had at Gepps Cross and we believe it demonstrates how innovation can drive success and productivity.
“Energy efficiency is a shift in thinking, especially when considering ways to improve the bottom line. It is vital that the manufacturing industry sits up and really puts some thought into their energy goals and what their own energy policies should strive towards.”
For more information about Schneider Electric’s EnergySTEP audits visit www.schneider-electric.com.au