Energy management for brewers

THE STEPS necessary in implementing an energy management system (EnMS) include the determination of actual energy performance, initiation of measures to improve energy efficiency, and the establishment of a continual improvement cycle.

Determining actual energy performance. Step one is an energy-efficiency assessment which determines the energy use of energy-consuming systems and installations and the possibility to influence this energy use. This enables the experts to determine how much energy is consumed at what points in the production process and to identify how much energy can be saved in each case by the use of innovative technology or making investments, optimising operating parameters and changing personnel behaviour.

Initiating efficiency measures. Once the experts know the actual energy performance, they can design specific measures for improving energy efficiency. They compare the costs of these measures against their expected contribution towards reducing energy costs. The measures that offer the best cost-benefit ratios will form the first energy objectives.

Establishing a cycle of continual improvement. The first energy objectives and performance indicators initiate a long-term systematic process that ensures the continual and sustainable improvement of the company’s energy efficiency by providing for the company verification of the effectiveness of each implemented measure and define further energy objectives at annual intervals. Performance indicators are determined and monitored at regular intervals and rules are defined to ensure the energy-efficient use of energy-consuming systems and installations. Finally, internal and external audits will verify that all personnel comply with the rules defined by the company itself.

Case study of a German brewery

During EnMS implementation, familiar structures are viewed from a completely new perspective. Given this, a large German brewery commissioned TüV SüD’s energy experts to accompany and support them in this project. The expert team began with the analysis of the brewery’s energy performance before the start of the project by reviewing documents, measurement results and data from the brewery’s technical operations and existing quality management system. They then compared the actual energy performance determined by this approach against the requirements set forth in the ISO 50001 standard. The brewery was in conformity with many of the requirements set forth in the standard. For example, it has recorded its energy consumption on an ongoing basis and optimised the energy-efficiency of its installations and systems at regular intervals. Yet there were other measures that had to be established to raise energy efficiency awareness throughout the company. Particularly important is the involvement of all personnel, since employees in all areas need to be aware of and be dedicated to identifying potential areas of savings and extensive opportunities of improvement. Commitment by all employees gives rise to innovative ideas and new solutions.

The brewery used the findings from the assessment of actual energy performance as a basis for energy workshops, which were attended by the company’s employees. Workshop participants form the “energy team” which is documented in the brewery’s organisational chart and integrated into its organisational structure. The brewery also appointed an energy management representative.

Innovative ideas by personnel in high demand

In a first workshop, the energy team developed the Energy Review. They started by listing all energy consumers and their consumption data, thus identifying the most energy-intensiveAdidas Yeezy