ISO 14001 EMS Objectives, Targets and Programmes

Hello everyone, one of our EMS objectives is to reduce the electricity consumption in the factory. However, we found difficult to determine the targets.
More than 85% electricity are consumpted in production line by the manufacturing equipment. As the set-up time of our equipment for production take about 2 to 3 hours every time, we cannot turn on or off the equipment frequently to save the energy (in case we received the materials and start the production line immediately since the product cycle time is as short as 1 to 2 days). On the other hand, our product quantity is not so stable and therefore we feel uncomfortable to set this target against product quantity. In this case, what should we do? As I know, saving on electricity is very common in EMS objectives and targets, can someone suggest the solution for us? Thank you.

[Randy]

Here is a possibility for you...

Have a thermoimagry or infrared check done to your power supply system..from the transformers outside to all the connections inside to the equipment and the equipment itself.

One loose connection could be costing you thousands of dollars and tons of electrical energy.

I can give you the info on a good company to use if you want, just write.

Randy

[Laura M]

I don't know if you used compressed air or not, but there was a big effort to find shop air leaks where I used to work. They saved more electricity that way than powering down equipment.

Andy:
I dont know where you live, but in the USA you can call the Department of Energy and tell them that you would like a FREE yes FREE energy assessment from their college program, there are several colleges that participate. In my area it is Notre Dame, Lousiville also does them. I think that the entire program is headed up through Rutgers.

I had Notre Dame come and do complete (power, water, gas) assessment for me. The report will be to me in a couple of weeks, the report will explain the amount that can be saved if you do x instead of z.

Take the info and establish your objectives and targets normalized to production.

Hope it helps. Dean Hill

A few ideas for Andy:
-Check your Power Factor-if less than 80, install capacitors (also helps harmonics)
-Install sensors on office lighting
-Air leaks on compressed air system (big energy user)
-If Air Dryers in use-switch to Dewpoint Dependant Switching
-Transformer maintenance 1/yr.
-Infra red Thermography yearly
-Energy study by local University or College
-Preventive Maintenance

[Randy]

I'm looking for some good solid stuff here.

How can / could business goals be linked to environmental objectives and vice versa?

Thanks