Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions

• Biomass is a valuable energy source that does not generate net CO₂ emissions.
• Natural gas generates lower CO₂ emissions than any other fossil fuel, and in many cases the cost per GJ of energy may be less than that of other energy sources.
• Petroleum oil derived fuels (diesel oil, heavy fuel oil, LPG) emit more CO₂ per energy unit than natural gas.
• Coal and coke are the fuels with highest CO₂ emission rates.

You could reduce your company's emissions by:

1. Substituting the fuels you are using by other fuels emitting lower levels of CO₂.
2. Co-firing the fuel you are using with other fuels that generate lower CO₂ emissions, particularly biomass, in your combustion facilities. This fuel could be solid biomass (such as wood or agricultural wastes) if you burn coal, or biogas if you have a suitable organic waste stream from your process.

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If your company produces biomass waste or residues as part of its operations, consider the possibility of recovering its energy value. You should note that biomass combustion technologies are improving and becoming more efficient all the time. To find out more about equipment options and guidance, view the Technology_providers section in the SETatWork database

If you are not a producer of biomass waste or residues, investigate further to check whether biomass such as wood waste, agricultural residues and other organic material is available locally and/or could be bought in.

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Companies can benefit from using solar thermal energy and geothermal energy to save energy and reduce CO₂ emissions. Low temperature heat (<150°C) generated by these technologies can be used for cleaning, drying, heating, sterilising, industrial refrigeration, air conditioning and other purposes.

The use of solar thermal energy is becoming more competitive as is generation of electricity using photovoltaics - especially in an environment with increasing prices of energy and CO₂ certificates.

In a similar manner, different type of systems have been developed for using the thermal capacity of the ground in almost any type of geology. This low grade heat can be tapped using heat pumps; for such systems it is not necessary to have a geothermal heat source available.

The SETatWork database provides you with links to technology providers you can contact to obtain additional information in this field or in other areas of energy saving and CO₂ reduction technology.

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If you are using heat in your process facilities, there are multiple possibilities for reducing the use of energy, entailing a reduction in your energy bill and CO₂ emissions. You should consider the possibility of improving the efficiency of your boilers by installing an economiser, improving insulation, through better process control and maintenance procedures, as well as looking at heat recovery through heat exchangers, etc.

The energy saving potential to your company of such measures can be investigated through an energy audit. Sources of further information and details of consultants and other advisors offering energy audit services, as well as technology providers, can be found in the SETatWork database.

Additional information on in-house projects and energy audits can be found in the Buy Certificates section of this tool:

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If your company uses a significant amount of heat, whether at a high temperature or at a low temperature, combined heat and power (CHP) may enable you to reduce your energy costs and provide you with additional CO₂ emission credits.

CHP can also be used for the generation of cooling through modern absorption equipment which utilises residual heat to produce cooling.

Details of organisations offering CHP technology can be found in the SETatWork database.

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Although the purchase of electricity from a utility does not generate direct CO₂ emissions, the cost of emission permits for electrical utilities is reflected in the price you pay for bought-in electricity. You should carry out an energy audit to analyse the possibilities of reducing your electricity consumption by, for example:

• substituting pumps or electrical motors by more efficient ones or using variable speed drives in pumps and fans.
• Applying up-to-date technology in industrial lighting and compressed air.
• substituting refrigeration compressors by absorption systems to generate cooling using residual heat or renewable energies.
• checking the performance of your electrical network and transformers.
• Use of photovoltaics

Sources of further information and details of consultants and other advisors offering energy audit services, as well as technology providers, can be found in the SETatWork database.

Further information on In-house Projects and energy audits can be found in buy certificates section of this Assessment Tool

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Leaks in compressed air systems lead to a considerable amount of wasted energy up. By detecting and fixing leaks, energy savings ranging between 5 to 50 per cent can be made. Minimizing compressed air leaks does not only save energy but is also an economically interesting investment for companies as most measures possess a payback period of less than 2 years.

In a first step the leakage rates which increase with higher system pressure should be identified. Subsequently the leaks must be detected. Leaks can occur in all parts of the compressed air system though problems are most prone to happen in couplings, FRLs (filter, regulator and lubricator), condensate traps, hoses, tubes fittings, valves or flanges. In order to detect existing leaks different methods exist. The most effective way is the use of acoustic detectors which can identify the hissing sounds that go along with existing leaks. When production is shut down in many cases no acoustic detector is needed as these sounds can be recognized without any detector. After leaks have been detected and fixed it is recommendable to re-monitor your company's compressed air system. The implementation of a leak prevention programme might also be an appropriate step if processes in your company are strongly based on compressed air.

Use the SETatWork Database to find links to organisations offering Energy Efficient Technologies information, as well as projects, case studies and reports about their use.

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By implementing sustainable management structures energy savings can be achieved.

The position of an environmental officer offers the realisation of energy saving potentials in your company. An environmental officer usually monitors processes and energy needs within a company and can compare the process induced energy demand to benchmarks and state-of-the-art technology processes. This monitoring and benchmarking function can provide information about energy saving potential in your company. The officer could also sensibilise and motivate employees to engage in energy saving actions.

Employee training on energy saving can strengthen your employee's understanding for energetic matters and promote behavioural change that results in energy savings (for example with regard to lightning or PC use).

Another starting point can be the organisation of an internal competition on energy savings in which different business units compete. The spirit of competition can be strengthened by regular newsletter containing an update of competition results and saving advices.

Use the SETatWork Database to find information on Publications, Training Materials, Tools and Other Resources.

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Investment in energy efficient office buildings pays out in the long run as energy costs represent a considerable share of the operating costs. Seen in a life cycle perspective the energy consumption of an office building is 12 to 23 times as high as the energy amount needed for the construction. Modern technologies in the fields of heating, cooling and lighting contribute to energy cost reductions.

In order to reduce heating costs and CO₂ emissions one should consider the reduction of required heating energy as well as consider the energy source. The amount of required heating energy can be reduced by improving the insulation function of outer walls and glazing. Heating supply by cogeneration of heat and power or district heating offer alternatives to emissions intensive conventional heating supply. Solar energy can contribute to warm water and heating supply.

With regard to efficient cooling energy saving potential prevails in several fields. Energy supply and transport can be improved by optimising insulation and pumping systems as well the cooling carrier. The performance of installations can advance by CHP and adsorber technologies.

By modernising the lighting system (energy efficient chokes, lamps and reflector systems) up to 75% of electricity used for lighting purposes can be saved. In addition to refitting the equipment building control systems that are based on motion sensors and natural light level can further reduce the lighting related energy costs.

By implementing a building automation system a control system can monitor the energy consumption in the different fields mentioned. With the integration into one system synergies can be realised.

Use the SETatWork Database to find information on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.

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Cooling and refrigeration technologies form a substantial part of many modern production and logistic chains. Cooling and refrigeration systems contain a huge energy saving potential as many measures possess a payback period of less than 2 years and come along with a return of investment of up to 25 per cent.

Energy savings can be realised by using high-quality components like energy efficient motors and heat exchange systems as well as control systems for ventilation, compressors or expansion valves. The use of those devices allows to adapt the required refrigeration level to the required load profile and possesses considerable energy saving potential. A compressor equipped with a pressure control can save up to 15% while better heat insulation can realise energy savings between 10 and 15%.

Another key factor is a suitable use of automation technoloy in the cooling process. Energy efficient automation systems also allow for a permanent monitoring and allows optimising of the whole refrigeration system so that life cycle costs can be reduced. The consideration of life cycle costs is crucial as the operating costs exceed the investment costs decisively.

Use the SETatWork Database to find information on Cooling, District Cooling and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), by clicking on the links in the section covering: Heat Generation, Recovery and Use .

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If you are expecting to make major modifications in your production facilities or equipment, this may be the moment to implement changes to save energy and CO₂ emissions in your company.

Any investment in energy efficiency now will show cost benefits while its useful life will be longer if tighter controls are introduced. In a scenario with increasing energy and CO₂ prices, the payback period for your investment will be shorter.

Use the SETatWork Database to find links to Carbon Market information

This may be the moment to re-plan your energy strategy. Do not change your production equipment without carefully revising the process from an energy consumption point of view.

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There may be financial aids available to your company for energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction studies and projects, depending on where your company is located. Search the database on this website to find links to organizations that may be able to inform you in more detail about financial aids.

Further details about funds and finance can be found in the SETatWork Database.

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