Menu
02/08/2011
Energy Saving Takes Off At Aerospace Plant
A major drive that saved energy has just earned a Co Down company the prestigious Energy Management Standard BS EN 16001.
The B/E Aerospace plant in Kilkeel has been putting its 'energies into energy saving' with a focus on the demands of future legislation that will affect its global market.
Importantly too, for a company which prides itself on its scenic location nestling on the Co Down coastline at the foot of the Mournes, it makes a significant and measurable contribution to improving the environment.
Francis Kelly, Director Furnishings/Finishings & Facilities, Seating Products at the plant, said: "Around 40%of the world's airline seats are made right here in Kilkeel and we are very proud to be the world's number one manufacturer.
"We want to be sure that all our processes measure up to that lead position and, in particular, we have been focusing on ways to reduce and better manage our energy consumption.
"It's good for the environment and good for our business too: the ultimate win-win," he explained.
For the company energy has always been important and work began to manage it in 2007, with a full energy survey analysing patterns of use and pinpointing areas for improvement. Subsequently B/E Aerospace invested more than half a million pounds on projects ranging from up-grading that plant's air compressors and oil-fired heating system to installing a new boiler. In November 2010 B/E Aerospace decided formally to get.
Mr Kelly continued: "Before 2010 our oil fired burners were responsible for around 15% of our total energy consumption, adding almost 110,000 tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere every year.
"We invested £80,000 to replace the old system with a modulated system with three burners in stead of six and we instantly achieved carbon savings of 138 tonnes per year.
"Our investment in a better environment is paying off in other ways too for, thanks to that new system, we are set to achieve cost savings in the region of £50,000 a year," he said.
While BS EN 16001 may be an unfamiliar term to the man in the street, it has become something of a mantra for employees at B/E Aerospace.
But, achieving the award required a team effort across all the disciplines at the plant and, said Francis Kelly, it's now a great source of pride for all employees.
"In business terms this is a fantastic award and we are delighted and very proud to have achieved such high level recognition.
"We all know from experience at home how important it is to manage energy costs and to reduce waste.
"Our employees were quick to see the potential benefits of applying that common sense approach to a business scenario and, through a series of brainstorming sessions, they came up with practical ideas and suggestions.
"Working together we've made a great impact and have an award which is worth celebrating - and, for us, this is still very much a work in progress," he continued.
"In 2010 we set out to reduce our energy consumption by 3%. From 2009 -2010 we actually achieved a reduction of 18%.
"This year we set ourselves a target of a 3% reduction in electricity use and a 6% reduction in oil consumption."
(BMcC/GK)
The B/E Aerospace plant in Kilkeel has been putting its 'energies into energy saving' with a focus on the demands of future legislation that will affect its global market.
Importantly too, for a company which prides itself on its scenic location nestling on the Co Down coastline at the foot of the Mournes, it makes a significant and measurable contribution to improving the environment.
Francis Kelly, Director Furnishings/Finishings & Facilities, Seating Products at the plant, said: "Around 40%of the world's airline seats are made right here in Kilkeel and we are very proud to be the world's number one manufacturer.
"We want to be sure that all our processes measure up to that lead position and, in particular, we have been focusing on ways to reduce and better manage our energy consumption.
"It's good for the environment and good for our business too: the ultimate win-win," he explained.
For the company energy has always been important and work began to manage it in 2007, with a full energy survey analysing patterns of use and pinpointing areas for improvement. Subsequently B/E Aerospace invested more than half a million pounds on projects ranging from up-grading that plant's air compressors and oil-fired heating system to installing a new boiler. In November 2010 B/E Aerospace decided formally to get.
Mr Kelly continued: "Before 2010 our oil fired burners were responsible for around 15% of our total energy consumption, adding almost 110,000 tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere every year.
"We invested £80,000 to replace the old system with a modulated system with three burners in stead of six and we instantly achieved carbon savings of 138 tonnes per year.
"Our investment in a better environment is paying off in other ways too for, thanks to that new system, we are set to achieve cost savings in the region of £50,000 a year," he said.
While BS EN 16001 may be an unfamiliar term to the man in the street, it has become something of a mantra for employees at B/E Aerospace.
But, achieving the award required a team effort across all the disciplines at the plant and, said Francis Kelly, it's now a great source of pride for all employees.
"In business terms this is a fantastic award and we are delighted and very proud to have achieved such high level recognition.
"We all know from experience at home how important it is to manage energy costs and to reduce waste.
"Our employees were quick to see the potential benefits of applying that common sense approach to a business scenario and, through a series of brainstorming sessions, they came up with practical ideas and suggestions.
"Working together we've made a great impact and have an award which is worth celebrating - and, for us, this is still very much a work in progress," he continued.
"In 2010 we set out to reduce our energy consumption by 3%. From 2009 -2010 we actually achieved a reduction of 18%.
"This year we set ourselves a target of a 3% reduction in electricity use and a 6% reduction in oil consumption."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 September 2012
Magellan Aerospace Acquisition Welcomed
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the acquisition of John Huddleston Engineering Ltd (JHE) by Magellan Aerospace Corporation, a global aerospace company based in Canada. JHE, based in Greyabbey, Co. Down, is one of the leading UK precision engineering companies supplying the global aerospace and defence sectors.
Magellan Aerospace Acquisition Welcomed
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the acquisition of John Huddleston Engineering Ltd (JHE) by Magellan Aerospace Corporation, a global aerospace company based in Canada. JHE, based in Greyabbey, Co. Down, is one of the leading UK precision engineering companies supplying the global aerospace and defence sectors.
16 November 2001
Energy Efficiency workshop set for Portadown
The Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme is set it launch its ‘Essential skills and techniques for managing energy’ workshops in Portadown on December 4.
Energy Efficiency workshop set for Portadown
The Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme is set it launch its ‘Essential skills and techniques for managing energy’ workshops in Portadown on December 4.
14 November 2012
30 Irish Firms Shortlisted For Energy Saving Projects
Thirty Irish companies have been shortlisted for energy saving projects and initiatives in the 2012 Sustainable Energy Awards.
30 Irish Firms Shortlisted For Energy Saving Projects
Thirty Irish companies have been shortlisted for energy saving projects and initiatives in the 2012 Sustainable Energy Awards.
25 October 2004
Energy users urged to cut fuel bills and save environment
Millions of people could save money on fuel bills and help cut harmful greenhouse gases by joining in Energy Efficiency Week - a big energy-saving 'turn off' campaign kicking off today. Organised by the Energy Saving Trust, the nationwide campaign aims to raise awareness of the damage that wasting energy does to the climate.
Energy users urged to cut fuel bills and save environment
Millions of people could save money on fuel bills and help cut harmful greenhouse gases by joining in Energy Efficiency Week - a big energy-saving 'turn off' campaign kicking off today. Organised by the Energy Saving Trust, the nationwide campaign aims to raise awareness of the damage that wasting energy does to the climate.
22 January 2016
UK Civil Aerospace Firms Visit NI
The UK Civil Aerospace cluster of companies were briefed about the capabilities of the local aerospace sector as well as the businesses benefiting from their involvement in the SC21 Supply Chain excellence programme, hosted by Invest NI.
UK Civil Aerospace Firms Visit NI
The UK Civil Aerospace cluster of companies were briefed about the capabilities of the local aerospace sector as well as the businesses benefiting from their involvement in the SC21 Supply Chain excellence programme, hosted by Invest NI.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
