How did Ebema tackle it?
How the choice of sustainability can lead to cost savings is clarified by Johnny Hermans' story. The Head of Prevention & Wellbeing, Procurement & Facilities tells how concrete specialist Ebema has already taken several steps in the energy transition, but that this will undoubtedly not be the last. A story of subsidies and payback periods, but above all a firm commitment to becoming more sustainable.
"For us, sustainability is part of our DNA," Johnny Hermans says towards the end of our conversation. "As a family business, we want to do business as sustainably as possible. We always go for the long term."
Anyone reading Ebema's story might be tempted to dismiss the efforts as self-evident, at a time when energy prices are by no means the paragon of stability. Remarkably, however, the company, which produces precast concrete materials for the private and public markets, defined its strategy back in 2016. Moreover, in 2013 it built a new company building, in which energy efficiency was a key element.
Subsidies help reduce payback time
But first, back to the beginning of the conversation, when Johnny Hermans listed the various initiatives. "The starting point for the savings of the past few years was a new compressor, a key component for our operations," he explains. “Compressed air is the most expensive energy there is. If you can save on that, it makes a big difference. We also use the heat from the new compressor for the sanitary systems and to heat a large part of the building. We only have to add extra heat in the very darkest days of winter."
Johnny Hermans then moved on to the next step, which involved changing the lighting. "When I came on board at Ebema in 2018, a faulty lamp was replaced with an LED fixture. It made sense even though energy was not that expensive back then and LED was not that stable either. I quickly decided to renew the rest of the lighting. This involved no less than 26,000 m², which are now not only energy-efficient but also better lit." Here, sustainability goes hand in hand with employee welfare. After all, they can now carry out their work in better conditions.
Encon supported Ebema in this process. "We wanted a comprehensive solution, where one party guided us all the way to the actual subsidy file. Thanks to the grants, we were able to recover some of our costs." In the initial calculations, Encon assumed a payback period of 3.5 years. Because the installation took place just before energy prices skyrocketed, that period subsequently reduced at a record pace. "I never finally calculated it," says Johnny Hermans, "but it must have been a little over a year. We had a very attractive rate back then; at the moment (June 2023, ed.) that amount is 3x the original one."
All solar energy self-consumed
In the end, Encon used a study to convince us to do it anyway, partly because we could participate in a group purchase. When we still had a cheap energy contract, the payback period was 7-8 years, depending on the amount of sunshine. Now it will come down to 2-3 years. As we started the installation in 2021, at the time of this interview we are probably celebrating the moment when our investment has been recouped." At one of the company's sites, the capacity is 421 kilowatt peak, and at the second 198 kilowatt peak. In 20 years, the total savings on energy bills are expected to be just under EUR 1.5 million.
The common thread throughout the adjustments in both lighting and energy is the focus on the long term. Ebema opted for sustainability and this is better able to withstand long-term shocks, such as the energy crisis we faced in 2022.
Charging stations offered double benefit
A tentative final step in sustainability was taken just after the installation of the solar panels. That was when charging station infrastructure was introduced to electrify the fleet - some 40 cars in size. "Encon also prepared this file," recalls Johnny Hermans. "Moreover, they wrote the tender and guided us in the final choice."
Again, the element of saving is not far away. "In terms of charging infrastructure, we had a dual benefit," Hermans said. "There was a grant of about EUR 28,000 and we received a tax benefit of 200% of our investment. Here too, Encon helped us on our way."
Wind turbine?
The efforts mentioned, however, are not an end point for Ebema. The company wants to continue its journey around sustainability and the energy savings that come with it. A milestone in this regard could be its own wind turbine. But this is a dream that is hard to realise for now. "We would very much like to install a wind turbine or be part of a wind farm, but it requires many approvals from various parties and authorities. Initially, we wanted to install one ourselves. When that failed, we wanted to participate in the Genk South wind farm, but we were just too far away. An environmental impact study is currently underway into two plots of land on which we would like to construct factory buildings. Our wind turbine could be part of that."
Encon takes care of everything
At the end of the day, Encon is the common thread running through Ebema's initiatives. "We chose Encon at the time because they place a high value on sustainability," explains Johnny Hermans. "We still stand by that. Moreover, Encon has a very broad scope. The company has specialists in just about every area of expertise. And it gives you a turnkey solution to take all the necessary steps. We have also engaged with enthusiastic, young people who are fully immersed in the sustainability story. They believe customer satisfaction is extremely important and take care of everything. They do that by taking work off our hands, but also by pointing out opportunities we might not have seen ourselves."
Encon supported Ebema in a comprehensive energy study, which was the starting point of the various initiatives, and also monitors the projects themselves. Is there a next step, Johnny Hermans? "Right now, reporting around our sustainability is on our radar. The upcoming CSRD is a new directive that requires us to do this. We want to embark on this in a timely manner and Encon could be a possible partner to help us do just that."
Ebema thus seeks to increasingly integrate sustainability into its overall business operations, independent of any obligations in that context. The company clearly understands that long-term sustainability always pays off.
Thanks, Ebema. Keep up the good work ...
Ebema was and still is a fantastic customer to work with. The company demonstrates very nicely that making operations more sustainable on environmental and social grounds is one of the foundations for economic growth. At Encon, we think it's important to be sustainable before problems, such as unstable energy prices, arise. Otherwise, you will be far too late.
We started with an energy audit and together proposed a plan of measures and projects. Many years later, this is still being used and Ebema itself continues to build on its sustainability transition. We are proud to help Ebema understand that sustainability always pays off in the long run and that it is important to extend this to the entire organisation.
Ebema improves space. They make outdoor spaces cosier, smarter, more comfortable, safer, more beautiful, greener and stronger. For people, governments, businesses and organisations. They do so with visionary ideas and elegant concrete solutions. But above all: with heart and soul, since 1946.
Head of Prevention & Wellbeing, Procurement & Facilities at Ebema
