Analyzing and reducing energy use

1. Define scope and limitations of the study. Is the study conducted for a part of the industrial site or for a whole site? What parts are possible to affect and what parts are not? Who can provide information?

2. Conduct an initial meeting with the involved personnel and brain-storm on the possibilities of energy saving measures.

• What studies have been carried out with respect to this issue in the past?
• What types of fuels are used? Are there any alternatives?
• Are steam and electricity consumptions monitored in detail, i.e. is it possible to identify the “hot spots”?
• Is it possible to re-circulate and heat exchange to a greater extent?
• Is it possible to cooperate with nearby industries in energy issues?

3. Make a preliminary outline for a project report and communicate it with personnel involved.

4. If authorities have made demands on the study, make sure to communicate the outline and the contents of the report with them before proceeding to a more in-depth level.

5. Collect figures on annual energy use as much in detail as possible. Account for the situation from a life-cycle perspective; describe the environmental impacts in the life-cycles of the different fuels and electricity.

6. Identify where measures for improvement should be taken according to these descriptions.

7. Describe potential energy saving measures in the specific plant. Account for the magnitude of the potential improvements with respect to energy savings, potential decrease of environmental impact, investment costs, pay-back periods and other factors that might be influenced.

8. Identify measures that can be realized in a short-term and a long-term perspective respectively. An example of short-term measure is to install more flow meters, while a long-term measure might be to invest in a new steam boiler. Naturally, the short-term measures also tend to be the least expensive ones as opposed to long-term and more expensive measures that need further investigations.

9. Propose EPIs related to energy. Account for possible interrelations and incompatibilities of different EPIs. See examples of EPIs, where this is further described.

10. Propose follow-up procedures and environmental goals with respect to energy.

11. Present the study to decisions makers.

12. When decisions on measures, EPIs and follow-up procedures are taken, finalize the report and present it to the parties concerned. See example of report.

13. Keep up a close dialogue with interested parties like authorities and nearby industries. Good relations are likely to lead to environmental improvements due to efficient cooperation in the long run.

Experiences