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Practical Ways to Reduce Energy and Water ConsumptionBelow are just a few examples of where energy and also water consumption can be reduced, and thus targets set to reach wider objectives: |
| Boilers | ||
| Cost | Target | Measures planned/action |
| No cost | Improve efficiency of boiler plant by n % by n months |
Check plant weekly to identify:
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| Low cost | Reduce heat losses from pipes by 60 % in n.months |
Investigation of pipes and flanges in the boiler room Ensure that all pipework not heating the production areas is insulated Insulate all valves and flanges that are 50mm or bigger with quick release valve jackets |
| Compressed air system | ||
| Cost | Target | Measures planned/action |
| No cost | Reduce compressed air costs by n % over n months |
Raise awareness of the high cost of generating compressed air at meetings Communicate via posters etc on site of the costs of generating compressed air and how it can be conserved |
| Low cost | Ensure that all compressed air tools are electrically powered in n months | Feasibility will be assessed and electrical tools will be purchased should it be practical |
| Lighting | ||
| Cost | Target | Measures planned/action |
| No cost | To reduce lighting costs by 15% over n. months through ensuring that all lights are switched off during site shut down |
Undertake a lighting survey during shut dwon Interview all out of hours staff such as cleaners Implement a policy and responsibilities for switching off lights |
| Low cost | To make savings of 75% over n months through using alternative lighting methods | Purchase compact fluorescent bulbs to replace all tungsten bulbs |
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Use the form below as a guide and the key areas for reducing energy consumption. |
| Item | Things to Look for | Comments |
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Buildings: Lighting |
are lights off when not in use? could you install automatic switch-off devices? Is the use of natural light maximised? do you use fluorescent or energy efficiency globes? is lighting appropriate to the area requiring illumination? |
Heating/cooling |
are the walls and roof insulated? are doors and windows sealed? do doors close automatically? do you have thermostats for automatic shut-off? do you have trees to provide shade in the summer? |
| Hot Water |
are tanks and pipes insulated? do any taps or pipes leak? is the thermostat at the lowest possible level? |
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Combustion Systems Burners Furnaces Boilers Incinerators |
is insulation in good condition? do you have good heat seals on door and other openings? is there potential for heat recovery? do you have periodic checks of combustion efficiency? do you use an appropriate system for the job required? can you shut-down wholly or partially during idle time? do you carry out periodic maintenance of temperature gauges and other accessories? could you substitute fuels? (eg use gas instead of oil) can you utilise waste as a fuel? |
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Ancillary equipment: Air compressors |
do you check for leaks in hoses? do you use minimum pressure? are air intakes in cool areas? do you avoid use for inappropriate tasks (eg cooling, ventilation) do you use correct size hoses? are compressed air tools well maintained? are compressors off when not in use? |
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| Electric Motors |
are motors turned off when not in use? do you match motor size to load? do you check motor efficiency periodically? are belt drives correctly tensioned can you replace old motors with new, high efficiency motors? |
Energy Efficiency best practice programme: Look at the publications listed at:
Federal Energy Management programme (US site, but some useful energy management / conservation ideas):
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http://www.ajplus.com/aj/bookshop/asp/index.asp