Windows of Opportunity: Efficiency improvements for a manufacturing facility

Energy Efficiency, Building Decarbonisation

Client: Scotia Windows and Doors

Stakeholders: Scotia Windows and Doors, East Ayrshire Council, Business Energy Scotland.

 Olivia Allen

 

Brief:

Tomson Consulting completed a comprehensive energy audit for Scotia Windows and Doors' manufacturing facility near Kilmarnock. The objective was to identify opportunities to reduce the company's energy and water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and utility costs, while supporting operational efficiency. The project was funded with help from East Ayrshire Council's Energy Audit Voucher Scheme.

 

 

Opportunities

The project identified several energy and water saving measures that generate significant benefits:

  • Energy Efficiency: Suggested measures, from managing identified compressed air leaks to installing HVAC systems and solar PV, indicated the potential to reduce energy consumption by around 56%; 
  • Water use: Recommended initiatives including installing flow rate restrictors and urinal flush controllers could reduce the company's water consumption by over seven hundred thousand litres annually;
  • Emissions Reductions: Energy and water reduction measures identified are associated with greenhouse gas emissions cuts of over 54%; and
  • Cost Savings: If all measures are implemented, the company could reduce annual energy costs by up to 80%. This provides a payback of initial investment period of less than 3 years.

Challenges

  • Capital Investment: Installing many of the identified measures requires upfront investments. Finding initial capital funds and balancing these costs against long-term savings can be a challenge.
  • Grid Capacity: A review of the Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) heat map indicates that there are likely to be significant constraints associated with connecting any distributed electricity generation to the SPEN network. Further work is required by the company to identify the potential costs and timelines associated with obtaining a grid connection agreement for the solar PV.
  • Behavioural Changes: Successful implementation of several of the identified measures, such as controlling heating and equipment operation, may require changes in employee behaviour and practices. Securing employee engagement and ensuring consistent adherence to new procedures could present challenges.

 

 

 

Outcomes

If all measured identified are implemented, Scotia Windows and Doors could cut energy and water consumption, plus associated costs and emissions by over half, helping the company to become both environmentally and economically sustainable. Additional benefits include improved workplace environment and enhanced staff comfort, promoting strengthened environmental and social sustainability credentials and eligibility for external funding to support business development.