Generating and supplying compressed air is a very energy-intensive activity. Improving the energy efficiency of compressed-air equipment by implementing concrete measures can save more than 30 % of the total energy used.

The efficiency of such compressed air systems can be improved through simple changes, e. g. by adjusting the system pressure according to the actual demand as well as the required quality. Carbon Trust recommends the following efficiency measures:

Accelerating gently, avoiding high speeds, anticipating traffic... these are all energy efficient or ecodriving measures which can reduce fuel consumption and costs while decreasing carbon dioxide and air pollution. For example, fuel consumption and costs can both be reduced by 10 to 15 %, with an equivalent decrease in CO2 emissions.

Cutting waste in a systematic way will help SMEs to reduce cost and save material. A special waste-prevention plan will be very helpful in introducing such a systematic approach. It helps to understand where resources are used, where waste is generated, and to find and prioritise waste-reducing and resource-saving opportunities.

Tackling mounting energy and waste bills as business grows

Industrial symbiosis is an association between two or more industrial facilities or companies in which the waste or by-products of one become the raw materials for another. This is usually done for both commercial and environmental reasons. It involves a collective approach to competitive advantage through the physical exchange of material by-products. Typical examples of materials sold on to other businesses are shredded tyres, plastic pellets and waste steams from a factory. 

Slick energy saving for Sligo Park Hotel 

• Monitoring and investing in energy delivers € 10 053 annual cost savings
• Boiler and lighting upgrade saves 187 000 kWh energy and 54 000 kg CO2 emissions annually

Through its SME assistance and mentoring programme, Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) helped Sligo Park Hotel and Leisure Club to develop a new energy management system which identified substantial savings by upgrading its heating system and replacing outdated lamps.

Positive reading from smart-meter pilot 

• Smart metering trial in ten stores saved energy and reduced costs and CO2
• Average of € 566 saved by controlling out-of-hours energy waste
• Reduced average store carbon footprint by 5.5 tonnes CO2 per year

The Peacock Group plc is a leading UK value-for-money fashion retailer. The Group has 450 Peacock stores and 360 Bonmarché stores and employs more than 9 000 people nationwide.

The best of both worlds...

Avoid, reduce, enhance...

• 6.8 % less packaging on 250 best-selling products
• Saving 1 360 tonnes of material and using 1 300 tonnes of recyclables 

Migros is Switzerland's largest retailer and supermarket chain. In recent years, as part of an environmental effort, it has reassessed its packaging in line with the principle of 'avoid, recuce and enhance'. 

Eco-designs power a sustainability drive