Energy saving is considered an urgent trend when the whole world is promoting sustainable development projects to minimize serious climate change. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, industrial sectors account for more than 47% of total national consumption and have the potential to save energy up to 30 - 35%. So what energy saving measures should be implemented for businesses in the industrial sector? Let's GREEN IN Find out more about this issue through the article below!
1. What is energy saving?
Energy saving is understood as using energy economically, intelligently and efficiently. Energy includes electricity, gas, gasoline and many other energy sources. Energy saving not only reduces the living expenses of each family but also contributes to environmental protection. In the long run, this helps preserve natural resources and promote the sustainable development of the national economy.
2. What do individuals and businesses get when implementing energy saving?
2.1. For Businesses
Applying energy saving measures helps businesses receive many outstanding benefits such as:
- Cost savings: Businesses that implement energy-saving measures will significantly reduce energy costs, thereby increasing revenue profits and providing a competitive advantage over competitors in the market.
- Sustainability and reputation: Sustainable business development when implementing energy saving measures helps build an environmentally friendly image, bringing a prestigious and positive reputation in the eyes of investors and customers.
- Energy security: In the context of increasingly depleted fossil energy resources, energy saving measures help businesses become more proactive in the face of energy supply disruptions.
- Legal Compliance: In many countries, energy efficiency is strictly regulated, requiring businesses to take it seriously. Applying energy-saving solutions not only meets legal standards but also ensures the sustainability of the business operations of that business.
2.2. For individuals
- Cost savings: Reducing energy consumption can help cut electricity bills significantly, thereby helping to optimize the family budget.
- Environmental awareness: Saving energy helps to arouse a sense of responsibility towards the environment in each person, helping to feel more clearly about their role in reducing negative impacts on the planet.
- Inspire the community: Energy-saving actions from each individual can create a ripple effect, encouraging family, friends and neighbors to join in, building a greener and more conscious community.
3. Some effective energy saving measures today
Energy saving is considered one of the most practical solutions to help develop the economy effectively, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment:
3.1. Raising awareness and habits of workers
The reason why the monthly electricity bills of factories and industrial parks become a burden is due to the excessive electricity usage habits of many workers. Therefore, raising employees' awareness of the benefits of saving electricity, implementing emulation movements, and rewarding individuals and groups will help significantly improve the electricity usage of enterprises.
3.2. Applying modern technology and renewable energy sources to the production process
One of the effective ways to save energy for businesses is to check and replace old equipment that consumes a lot of electricity during operation, leading to increased electricity bills and the risk of electrical leakage and fire. Instead, business owners can use modern, energy-saving and safer equipment.
Equipping high-performance electrical and mechanical equipment such as motors, lighting systems, pumps or heating and ventilation equipment is considered an effective measure for businesses to save energy and improve production efficiency.
The application of frequency converter technology in adjusting motor speed according to actual needs has been proven to be an optimal solution to significantly reduce energy consumption. This method is widely applied in equipment such as air compressors, boiler fans, grinders or pumps to bring practical benefits in operation.
In addition, utilizing renewable energy, such as installing rooftop solar power systems, not only reduces dependence on the grid but also opens up opportunities to provide excess electricity back to the network operator. This is considered a smart and sustainable step to help businesses both reduce costs and contribute to environmental protection.
3.3. Application of standards and energy management systems
One factor that needs special attention in the energy management process in enterprises is the application of ISO 50001:2011 - Energy Management. This standard not only provides a comprehensive management framework but also helps enterprises and organizations in the industrial sector to optimize energy use towards the goal of saving and efficiency.
Vinamilk is a typical example of the success of implementing ISO 50001. With the strategy of applying international standards such as FSSC 22000, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and OHSAS 18001, Vinamilk has affirmed its role as a pioneering enterprise in the journey of building a circular economy model. In particular, the integration of energy management (ISO 50001) and environmental management (ISO 14001) into production activities has created a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the enterprise.
At Vinamilk’s modern factories, green and renewable energy is a top priority. Biomass fuel is made from rice husks, coconut fiber, sawdust and wood chips, which are used as energy for the boiler, thereby helping to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
ISO 50001 is not only a tool to support businesses in optimizing energy, but also a strategic solution to achieve sustainable development goals. By applying this standard, businesses not only improve operational efficiency but also demonstrate social and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, implementing ISO 50001 plays an essential role in ensuring energy security, contributing to building a sustainable future and global development.
3.4. Improve and monitor the system to use energy efficiently and economically.
Businesses need to apply modern technologies to measure, analyze, monitor and provide early warnings to promptly detect and handle problems that cause energy loss or waste. These tools not only support the optimization of electricity consumption management but also help to effectively reduce energy waste throughout the entire production chain.
Strict control of areas with the highest energy consumption is considered a top priority. At the same time, businesses should plan production properly to minimize the operation of high-capacity equipment during peak hours, thereby avoiding unnecessary increases in electricity costs. In addition, ensuring that equipment operates at the actual capacity required also helps avoid wasting electricity, while unnecessary equipment should be turned off when not in use. Taking advantage of excess heat energy to recycle and convert it into a new energy source is also an effective solution, helping to reduce pressure on the overall energy system.
In the industrial sector, the Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) method plays a key role in improving productivity and efficiency. Implementing Kaizen helps businesses optimize the use of space and time, simplify work processes, and minimize waste and errors. This not only shortens production time but also saves costs and adds value to the product.
In addition, implementing regular maintenance and cleaning plans for production equipment systems is an indispensable factor. These activities not only prolong the life of equipment but also ensure optimal operating performance, minimizing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and incidents. As a result, businesses not only save on maintenance costs but also maintain stable and effective production operations in the long term.
4. Conclusion
The above article has helped you learn about energy saving measures for businesses in the current industry. Hopefully our information will be of some help to you. Don't forget to follow the next articles at GREEN IN for more updated information!