For many years, efficient energy generation with minimum consumption of resources has been one of the driving forces behind the sustainability strategy of GEA Westfalia Separator Group. For its exemplary energy management system, Oelde-based engineering company GEA Westfalia Separator Group has been awarded the TÜV certificate according to DIN EN ISO 5001.
By implementing an energy management system in line with the German and European standards, the company consistently pursues the objective of continuously improving energy efficiency at its own locations. By developing previously unused efficiency potential, it has been possible not only for energy costs to be reduced significantly.
The company complies with the German government’s objectives of energy and environmental policy along the entire line by means of lower use of resources and also by means of reduced carbon emissions. The objective: to reduce the primary energy requirement in Germany by 20% by the year 2020.
The elements of a systematic energy management system comprise an extensive analysis and appraisal of the company’s internal energy flows, using this as the basis for formulating appropriate technical or strategic measures in order to improve the energy balance. “In line with our holistic energy management system, we have plans to continuously boost efficiency by at least 1.5% every year and to reduce carbon emissions by at least 1.5% in relation to production volumes”, said Ludger Reckmann, plant manager of GEA Westfalia Separator Group.
“With the resultant cost reductions, we will also benefit in terms of competitiveness. In the long term, this will make a major contribution towards securing our location and will have a sustainable and positive impact on the environment.” Cost savings can be expected in this connection not only as a result of the lower energy consumption but also from the possible exemption from the EU levy. The conditions for sustainable and energy-efficient production have been created particularly as a result of the new and conversion measures at Oelde. The key aspect of the energy management system is the company’s own combined heat and power plant in combination with an absorption refrigerating system. This enables GEA to use a combined power heat and refrigeration. system, resulting in significant savings of primary energy compared with conventional energy generation. “However, savings in terms of energy can be achieved not only by using modern and innovative technology”, emphasised Mr Reckmann. “In this respect, we are also reliant on the assistance of each individual employee.” This means that employees will have to be convinced to an even greater extent of the importance of the efficient use of energy by various means, including training.
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