Retrofit

Efficient lighting… the case for condensed fluorescents It may seem obvious, but sometimes the simplest solutions can make a big different in the short-term. Replacing lamps usually takes no special skills and yields immediate results. For example, think about changing to 14 W condensed fluorescent...

Most businesses rely on a range of office equipment in order to function. From the basics like computers, printers, and copiers to projectors, scanners and teleconference facilities, it is widely recognised that these items have become integral to daily activity. But it is not always appreciated how...

Biomass as a source of renewable energy is used for a variety of applications including combined heat and power (CHP) or biofuels production. Many companies have already switched from fossil fuels to biomass, but there is more potential for growth. Among conditions to introducing biomass for heat...

Cleaner and greener plumbing ~600 m3 saved water per year Annual cost savings of € 2 400 The Municipal Hospital in Munich, Germany replaced ten conventional taps in the canteen/kitchen area with modern taps containing automatic shut-off valves. Although this measure was initially intended to...

Energy and material assessment, Australian style Welvic received a grant to evaluate ways to save resources and energy Small and large ovens were insulated and dust management systems improved Yearly energy savings worth 80 MWh and 95 tonnes less waste achieved thanks to the resource and energy...

Extending the lifetime of a product (asset) has a number of environmental advantages: less resource extraction, less energy embedded (the direct and indirect energy required to produce goods plus the energy needed to source and process raw materials they contain) and less waste generated...

Two key factors determine a product's lifetime: the way it is designed and built, and whether consumers choose to properly maintain (repair) or to replace it. Manufacturers are in control of the first factor and can very much influence the second by providing detailed descriptions and guidelines on...

Water recycling by design Grey-water recycling system built into hotel design from the ground up Reduces annual fresh water consumption by around 20 % The 100-room NH Campo de Gibraltar hotel in Algeciras, Spain was opened in 2009 with a clever grey-water recycling system successfully installed in...

Long history of sustainability on display Clever scheme to promote end-of-life product remanufacturing Almost no waste sent to landfill, and huge reductions in energy and water use Caterpillar is an American heavy machinery- and engine-maker with a strong brand and long history in remanufacturing...

Renting and leasing means that you can use a product without owning it. This can be favourable, for example if you only need a certain tool once, or if it is a complex tool that needs a lot of maintenance, it is most likely a lot cheaper to rent or lease it than to buy it. By not buying an...

Companies can generate energy for their own use and improve their overall energy efficiency by modernising existing equipment. Simple measures like replacing old boilers with new ones can increase their efficiency by up to 15 %. The highest energy savings can be achieved in cases when companies...

Long overdue upgrade yields huge savings Upgrading the 30-year-old liquid storage heating system saves nearly € 70 000 in energy costs annually The significant € 335 000 investment could be recuperated in under 5 years Rubber manufacturer from the Czech Republic implemented an energy-saving project...