Continental & Northern Europe RBU
We have launched a wide range of optimisation initiatives with a view to cutting energy consumption and/or increasing capacity in our production plants, as well as streamlining distribution and delivery processes in Continental & Northern Europe. These initiatives play an important role in conserving resources and avoiding (indirect) greenhouse gas emissions.
The electricity saved just by using a new turbo compressor for oxygen in our air separation plants amounts to around 13,000 megawatts per year, for instance.
To promote this type of achievement within our organisation, we have launched an energy prize for air separation plants in Germany. This is awarded to plant managers who achieve the most energy-efficient ratings.
In Western Europe, we initiated a production optimisation project at our air separation plant in IJmuiden, the Netherlands. Energy savings from this are estimated at 6,700 megawatt-hours per year. Another project at the same location has also cut energy consumption by a further 700 megawatt-hours per year by reducing the temperature of the coolant in winter months.
In Northern Europe we have implemented an environmental management system, officially certified in Sweden.
We have also taken measures to make the distribution of our gases by truck more efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, we have modernised our fleet in Germany, replacing several five to six year-old trucks with new, lighter vehicles featuring lower fuel consumption, which comply with the EURO4 or even EURO5 emissions standards. And we hold special eco-driving training courses to help our drivers increase fuel efficiency.
UK& Ireland RBU
Various plants in the UK & Ireland jointly established an energy forum in 2006. The objective is to develop best practices in energy management. This project was supported by Carbon Trust, a government-funded independent company that helps businesses and the public sector in the UK to cut carbon emissions. As a result of this project, our employees became much more conscientious in their use of energy.
In addition, various Energy Awareness Programmes at different plants prompted our people to take a more critical look at energy consumption within their sphere of influence and to look for areas of potential savings.
On the distribution side, we are working to optimise efficiency. Concrete measures include improving transport logistics and modernising our fleet.
