A unique EBO path
The Flemish government has set the goal to cut CO2 emissions by at least 30% by 2030; a challenge that has resulted in various initiatives that apply to the business world. One of these is the Energy Agreement (EBO, Energiebeleidsovereenkomst), which is aimed at motivating industrial energy consumers to stay ahead in terms of energy efficiency and to continue to devote their attention to it.
The Flemish government has set the goal to cut CO2 emissions by at least 30% by 2030; a challenge that has resulted in various initiatives that apply to the business world. One of these is the Energy Agreement (EBO, Energiebeleidsovereenkomst), which is aimed at motivating industrial energy consumers to stay ahead in terms of energy efficiency and to continue to devote their attention to it.
Ter Beke, a Belgian fresh food group that specialises in the production and sale of fresh ready-made dishes and deli meats, has no less than 5 locations in Belgium. The production of food involves extremely high energy consumption, which is why they immediately signed the EBO back in 2014.
The result was many initiatives throughout the company for a sustainable approach to improve energy efficiency. However, the food group opted for a special launch by involving their employees in the ideas. They are an invaluable resource as they are much more familiar with the day-to-day operation of techniques and procedures and often see the very savings opportunities overlooked by external parties.
A mixed energy team evaluated the current situation and looked for solutions to improve energy efficiency surrounding compressed air, water, electricity and steam. Encon then evaluated the proposals and made calculations centred on their impact. This resulted in top-notch collaboration efforts and a great action plan backed by the entire organisation.
Sustainable changes were implemented across the various locations. For example, a relighting project was carried out at the Waarschoot site where all lighting was replaced by LED, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions and savings of more than €12,000 per year. It was also noted that the site had a high level of energy consumption after working hours when no one is present. A so-called no-load project mapped out these unnecessary consumers and led to a 3% saving in total energy consumption.
The next move was the launch of a solar panel project in Marche-en-Famenne to generate energy in its own car park. This was set up under an ESCO agreement with Encon, with Encon financing the project and with Ter Beke providing its site. A win-win situation for both parties benefiting from green energy, enabling Ter Beke to pay off the project in a short time thanks to the savings made on energy and thus on costs.
'Operating in a more energy-efficient way is a continuous process.'
Danny De Clercq – Ter Beke Maintenance Manager & Energy Coordinator
The site will then also be equipped with an energy monitoring system to them with a continuous overview of energy consumption. This allows them to save energy by immediately following up on the findings revealed by the monitoring system.
The Wommelgem site was not idle either and identified a cooling problem. To this end, Encon carried out a complete concept study with a multi-year plan to convert the entire cooling system to a sustainable alternative. The site will also have a monitoring system in place to provide a permanent overview of all energy consumption.
EBO is a commitment you enter as a company. Any steps towards sustainability will have a positive impact on both your company and the planet thanks to major energy savings.
