The environmental sustainability is one of the most urgent and important issues facing the globe today. In this context, the implementation of projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption is closely linked to the objective of promoting energy efficiency, i.e. interventions aimed at maximising performance with the lowest use of resources.
Achieving a balance between the environment, society and the economy is fundamental to sustainable development. This need has driven organisations to adopt a systematic approach to environmental management to contribute to sustainability. Coram, in particular, relies on energy efficiency as the main tool to reduce emissions, contain costs and improve performance. The company has therefore invested resources and developed projects aimed at optimising its operations. These projects are identified through scientific assessments, energy audits and technical consultations with energy experts.
Coram’s starting point was to commission a detailed study, collect data, survey energy carriers and create an inventory. The analysis led to an energy diagnosis that identified how the company uses energy, improvement points, and cost simulations. The process produced a report with areas for action to improve efficiency, sustainability and reduce energy costs.
Coram towards an energy sustainable future
The interventions implemented at Coram fall into two categories: ‘specific’, involving particular departments or areas, and ‘transversal’, affecting the entire site. With regard to the former, the company promptly acted on the compressed air systems, replacing old machines with new, advanced ones capable of reducing energy consumption by 40%. The same attention was also paid to the extraction systems, optimising their use.
The installation of the new air compressors is expected to result in estimated energy savings of 62,116 kWh and 11.62 toe by the year 2023.
Energy efficiency projects are constantly evolving, and Coram’s focus is also on the complete renovation of lighting throughout the complex. This involves the adoption of LED technology in all working areas, including production, warehouses and offices. The installation of this technology will not only result in significant energy savings, but will also significantly improve the quality of lighting in the rooms.
The estimated energy savings with the installation of LED lighting is 109,470 kWh and 20.47 toe.
In addition, one of the most significant interventions will be the construction of a photovoltaic system, currently only planned for the headquarters, with a minimum power output of 250 kW. This system will also be equipped with a storage system and will be accompanied by the installation of a power quality device, which aims to improve the stability and efficiency of the power supply by eliminating disturbances, losses and voltage drops.
The estimated energy saving with the installation of the photovoltaic system is 297,687 kWh and 55.67 toe.
The result of all these interventions will certainly not make Coram completely self-sufficient from an energy point of view, but it will certainly make a significant contribution to reducing dependence on the electricity grid, and offer a contribution to the well-being of the environment. Finally, the company is constantly striving to make its employees aware of the importance of using resources in a conscious and responsible manner. The first step to improving environmental wellbeing is always through the commitment of each and every one of us!