Energy efficiency is essential in Alfa Laval’s production processes
It’s International Earth Day and we want to shine a light on energy efficiency. The world’s energy needs are continuing to grow and global energy supply is under stress. There are several ways to approach this challenge which include new technologies, fuels and different ways of working.
DATE 2023-11-28Alfa Laval’s products and solutions play an important role in making industrial processes more energy efficient. It’s important for Alfa Laval to improve energy efficiency, not only through the products and solutions, but also in our own manufacturing processes. The company-wide target for 2020 is to reduce energy consumption by 10% between 2015 and 2020.
First Alfa Laval site to achieve ISO 50001 certification
The first Alfa Laval site that has been certified in accordance with the stringent energy management system ISO 50001 is in Alonte, Italy. The work to certify the plant is part of a broader strategy to focus on energy savings and sustainability throughout the manufacturing process. Ahead of starting the ISO 50001 approval process, the site had seen an uptick in customer interest in sustainability. “We’ve seen that customers’ focus on environmental aspects have increased significantly. This certification further helps us cut carbon emissions, environmental impacts and energy costs." says Massimo Balestrini Vice President Operations.
Sara Billo, Quality and Health and Safety Manager in Alonte, led the certification process. “We started with the areas where we could make the biggest difference and have in 12 months improved our energy performance more than 6 percent. It’s very important to see it as an ongoing process to consistently make improvements.” The process was set up so that all employees could suggest improvements and ideas. Sara and the local Quality, Health, Safety & Environment team enjoyed leading the project: “Alfa Laval gives people a real opportunity to be innovative.”
Alfa Laval will use the experience built from the certification process at other sites. “With the proven success of the brazed heat exchanger plant in Alonte, we will continue to implement the ISO 50001 standards to our brazed and fusion-bonded heat exchangers plants in China, Sweden and in the US" says Massimo.
Certification is only one element to improve energy performance. Energy consumption and carbon emissions are since the beginning of 2018 a part of the strategic approach in all our manufacturing sites. All manufacturing sites have energy use as one of their key performance indicators and Alfa Laval have established a cross-company energy group which will focus on sharing best practice to reduce energy use thought the manufacturing sites. We have also implemented a company-wide project to switch to LED lighting and will increase investments in renewable electricity sources.
Did you know?
- International Earth Day is celebrated the 22 of April and provides an opportunity to raise awareness around the world to the challenges regarding the well-being of the planet and all the life it supports.
- Energy efficiency is key to relieve pressure on energy supply. In 2016, the world would have used 12 percent more energy had it not been for energy efficiency improvements since 2000. This is equivalent to adding another European Union in the global energy market. (International Energy Agency, 2017)
- ISO 50001 is an energy management system that supports organizations in all sectors to use energy more efficiently.