This section compiles a database of more than 200 resource efficiency measures that were identified using the TEST methodology and successfully implemented within several industries across many sectors. The measures are classified by sector and subsector, type (good housekeeping, process control/modification, technology change, etc.), category of resource savings (water, energy and/or materials), scope and applicability (process or utilities). The database enables the use of predefined filters including the possibility to use keywords for an advanced search.
Each measure in the database includes a description of the problem, a technical description of the solution, the economic and environmental benefits quantified for the specific company case, the costs and the expected return on investment, suppliers of equipment as well as other aspects related to safety, maintenance, productivity and technical implementation.
In this study, switching from electric resistance heaters to steam heating for olive browning process was achieved after understanding the process requirements, and conducting an energy mapping to identify available heat sources. This switch although it didnt reduce the energy consumption within the company, provided a financial benefit as the cost of steam is less than the cost of electricity.
For this glass manufacturing company, the lights represented almost 3% of their electricity consumption. After preparing a light inventory, it was decided to replace the conventional lamps with LED lamps. Moreover, the company agreed to adopt some management practices including the utilization of transparent sheets allowing for sunlight, and installation of motion sensors to switch on the lights only when needed. These actions together can save up to 80% of the light consumption.
Using rollers with carbide inserts rather than standard steel rollers in the pipe profiling lines reduces the wear of pipes, eliminating material loss, and increases the productivity and product quality.
An automotive cables manufacturing company had four large motors that are close to the end of their service life, and are direct current motors. Replacing those motors with asynchronous AC motors increases the motor efficiency, and reduces its running cost. This action also saves on electricity consumption of the company.
The existing airconditioning unit is not capable to keep needed temperature and humidity in the packaging room leading to high amount of rejected chocolate products and should be replaced by a central Air Handling Unit to achieve the desirable parameters.
A beverage and juice manufacturing company had an oversized, obselete design compressor running at low load factor. This caused excess energy consumption. Replacing the compressor from a piston type compressor to a smaller size rotary-screw type compressor shall increase the efficiency of the compressor, and reduce the unload time which is a waste of energy.
The winding machines of a home textile company are of old design, and are close to the end of their service life. Renovating those machines with modern technology improves the performance of the department, reduces the consumption levels, and improves the product quality.
Losses in raw material within this company were revealed to be due to the inconsistent size of prepared dough pieces. Replacing the dough cutting machine with a higher efficiency model, and reducing the size of prepared dough resulted in savings close to 22% of raw material. This intervension shall also result in a 30% increase of the company productivity.