Saving energy and operating more sustainably

Businesses in the agrifood sector can participate in the Energy theme  of the Leaders in Ambition (‘Koplopers in Ambitie’ or ‘KIA’) programme.  In this programme Food Valley NL works with Innofood businesses for a  whole year to help them reduce their energy consumption and to operate  more sustainably. Businesses have until 1 March 2014 to sign up.

As part of the ‘Energy’ theme within the KIA programme, processors of  products such as meat, meals, fruit & vegetables, ingredients,  dairy products and cheese can receive a year’s worth of help in their  efforts to cut energy consumption and operate sustainably.

Fulfilling ambitions can be the hard part

The theme involves a twin-track process: individual and group-based.  Around 20 food sector businesses attended the initial meeting at the  beginning of November 2013 to learn more about the KIA programme, and  some of them have already signed up to take part in the process. “The  participating businesses are companies with high ambitions and a  readiness to collaborate. That’s what we’re aiming for with KIA. You can  have an ambition, but fulfilling it can sometimes prove difficult. Our  aim with KIA is to help these businesses to succeed in doing so,” says  Frances Fortuin, KIA Project Manager. Participation in KIA Energy gives  agrifood manufacturers ideas on saving energy (and hence money) in their  business and on organising their business operation more sustainably.  Hence, they can show their customers how the company contributes to  sustainability.

Thermal Energy Scan

On the individual track, KIA Energy starts with a ‘Thermal Energy Scan  of the business’ to see how energy consumption can be optimised and made  sustainable. “The scan assesses the energy flows of the food business  using a software tool. This looks into the possibilities for heat  recovery, process integration and smart combinations of heating and  refrigeration technologies. That clarifies the existing situation and  the savings potential in the processes, the buildings and the  logistics,” explains Martin Ruiter of Qing, one of the experts involved.

‘Every business will be given customised energy-saving advice’

Energy – a major cost item

Energy is a major cost item in food production. “28% of final energy  consumed in Europe is for heat generation or refrigeration in the  processing industry. Around 27% is for heating or cooling of buildings,  while energy for all logistics activities including transport also  accounts for around 27%,” says energy expert Martin Ruiter.
 As a proportion of total operating costs, energy ranges between 3% and  12% of the total costs of a process. “The savings potential depends  greatly on the current situation, but case studies have shown savings of  up to 70%. Businesses can save around 15% to 30% in their processing.  That means it is possible to make savings of 0.5% to 3.6% of total costs  by making smart process-based savings,” says Ruiter.

Fast payback

Food businesses can achieve a satisfactory and rapid payback (ROI) with  relatively small investments. “On the basis of previous results from the  Thermal Energy Scans, payback periods of less than four years are  possible in 80% of cases, and in less than two years in 15% to 20% of  them,” says Martin Ruiter. “Most businesses recoup the investment within  two years with energy savings of up to 10%. If they save 10% to 20% of  energy, the payback period is two to five years. With 20% to 40%  savings, it takes more than five years,” says Ruiter. “As well as lower  costs, a year of energy savings and more sustainable operation also  creates a better image and greater awareness among employees,” he adds.  The results of the Thermal Energy Scan are then used to draw up a  roadmap for improvement for every business participating in KIA Energy.  Two workshops are then held featuring speakers who inspire businesses  and offer them new insights. Company visits are also arranged to  exchange experiences with other business operators and experts and  follow-up actions are agreed. Food Valley NL supports the businesses in  their communication of the results achieved.

Customised advice

The first return meeting will take place on 20 March 2014, when the  first scan will be reviewed. The businesses’ production processes will  be assessed and the businesses will be put into contact with experts to  look into further improvements in areas such as energy saving and  sustainability. Every business will be given customised energy-saving  advice. The second return session will be held on 26 June 2014 and the  detailed presentation of the KIA Energy process will take place on 23  October 2014, during Foodvalley Expo. The companies will then share the  results with visitors as an example to other businesses wishing to make  progress in sustainable energy consumption.

‘Case studies have shown savings of up to 70%.’

About KIA

The Leaders in Ambition (KIA) programme of Food Valley NL, Oost NV and  Syntens is aimed at operators of agrifood businesses who want to invest  and innovate in sustainability and healthy food. Many food companies set  ambitious objectives, but translating these aspirations into day-to-day  practice often proves difficult. KIA helps businesses to maintain and  fulfil their objectives by striving towards more sustainable and  efficient business operation, thus leading to higher profits and a  positive image. The programme consists of motivating sessions and  practical advice on extracting value from residual products, sustainable  energy use, reduced water consumption and the development of healthy  products containing less salt, sugar and fat.

For information or to register as a participant in KIA Energy, contact  KIA Project Manager Frances Fortuin, Food Valley NL, 0317- 466512,  06-20405783, [email protected]