Schneider Electric has achieved ISO 50001 Energy Management certification at their Gepps Cross (South Australian) manufacturing plant. The certification includes a commitment from the company to reduce their energy usage at the site by 10 per cent over the next three years.
The certification is intended to improve energy performance through activities such as creation and achievement of energy performance goals and the tracking of key performance indicators. The certification also requires a continuous reduction of the energy usage at the site, as well the identification of ongoing improvement opportunities.
Using the same process which Schneider Electric employs when working with clients, the first step in achieving the certification was to carry out an energy audit. The in depth EnergySTEP Audit included walkthroughs, detailed analysis and follow ups of processes and equipment usage at the site.
As a result of the audit, 23 energy opportunities were registered. These include introducing a shutdown/ start up procedure, reducing the pressure set point of air supply and conducting an ultrasonic air leak survey. The audit also identified which machines and areas of the site were the most significant in terms on energy usage.
Energy KPIs have now been set for these areas. Motion sensors, harmonic filters, and new LED lighting have all been installed as a result of the audit.
This monitoring is also a requirement for ongoing ISO 50001 certification. The energy meters have been connected to an EGX300 Gateway which allows the data to be monitored remotely, from anywhere with an internet connection. Using Schneider Electric’s Energy Operation software, the figures can be quickly translated into easy to digest dashboards and reports.