HOW CAN MAINTENANCE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT CONTRIBUTE TO ACHIEVING THE EUROPEAN GOALS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND EMISSION REDUCTION?

In the battle against climate change, the industrial sector faces a dual challenge: significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. In Northwest Europe, the industry is the largest consumer of fossil energy, and significant steps still need to be taken to meet the targets.

When analysing CO2 emissions in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, from 1990 until 2022 and estimating the future at the current pace of reduction, we can draw some interesting conclusions. First of all, it is clear that other economic activities (NACE activities without manufacturing) are reducing CO2 emissions at a much faster pace than manufacturing. In this projection, the 55% emission reduction goal (compared to 1990) will NOT be achieved. One could state this will be due to the too slow reduction rate in manufacturing. By 2045, manufacturing will - with an unchanged adoption rate of CO2 reduction measures - on its own use up all 'available’ emissions, while the other economic activities will be close to net-zero. By 2050, about 50% of the anticipated overshoot in CO2 emissions would be caused by manufacturing activities.

This demonstrates that manufacturing industries urgently need to change and start investing heavily in adopting more sustainable technologies and practices. A series of best practices, built around a Sustainable Asset Management Strategy, can help industrial companies improve their energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Sustainable AM contributes to this goal through the consistent application of the right Maintenance, Overhaul, Repair & Engineering (MORE) activities. This includes the insulation of equipment, energy-efficient lighting, high-efficiency HVAC, and electrification.

Moreover, many maintenance practices can make a significant contribution. Well-maintained equipment operates more efficiently, consumes less energy, and is less likely to experience failures that can lead to unplanned emissions. During this presentation, Wim Vancauwenberghe will discuss the Sustainable Asset Management framework developed within the MORE4Sustainability project and delve into various best practices that can significantly contribute to achieving climate goals.

In his presentation, Wim Vancauwenberghe explains how Maintenance and Asset Management can maximize energy efficiency and reduce emissions. He begins with a brief introduction to the MORE4Sustainability project and its partnership, emphasizing the critical role this initiative plays in driving sustainable practices within the industry. Vancauwenberghe provides an overview of the European goals for energy efficiency and emission reduction, discussing the 2030 Climate and Energy Framework, the European Green Deal, and the Fit for 55 package. He also touches on the phasing out of historical free emission allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and examines where the industry currently stands in relation to these emission targets.

Delving deeper, Vancauwenberghe outlines the steps industrial companies need to take to start calculating their total energy consumption and emissions. He explains the significance of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, differentiating between direct and indirect energy use. By understanding these scopes, companies can better identify areas for improvement and develop more effective strategies for reducing their environmental impact.

He then introduces the M4S Sustainable Asset Management framework, a comprehensive model designed to help companies enhance their energy efficiency and reduce emissions through systematic maintenance and asset management practices. Vancauwenberghe highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into asset management strategies, ensuring that maintenance, overhaul, repair, and engineering (MORE) activities are aligned with broader environmental goals.

Throughout the presentation, Vancauwenberghe provides practical examples of best practices in Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Engineering (MORE) that contribute to increased energy efficiency and reduced emissions. He discusses the benefits of equipment insulation, energy-efficient lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and electrification. Additionally, he emphasizes the role of regular maintenance in ensuring that equipment operates efficiently, consumes less energy, and is less prone to failures that can lead to unplanned emissions.

M. Vancauwenberghe also highlights the economic benefits of adopting these sustainable practices. By reducing energy consumption and emissions, companies can not only contribute to environmental goals but also achieve cost savings through improved operational efficiency and reduced energy bills. He underscores the importance of a proactive approach to maintenance and asset management, where sustainability is viewed as an integral part of the business strategy rather than an afterthought.

In conclusion, Wim Vancauwenberghe’s presentation underscores the urgent need for manufacturing industries to embrace sustainable technologies and practices. By leveraging the M4S Sustainable Asset Management framework and implementing best practices in MORE, industrial companies can make significant strides towards achieving the European goals for energy efficiency and emission reduction. The presentation serves as a call to action for industries to invest in sustainable asset management as a pathway to a more sustainable and economically viable future.

BIO

Wim Vancauwenberghe is director of BEMAS, the Belgian not-for-profit Association in the field of Maintenance and Asset Management. He holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering, is a Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) & Technician (CMRT), and Certified Reliability Leader (CRL). With a passion for improving asset performance, Wim has dedicated his career to promoting innovation and best practices in maintenance and asset management strategies.

Wim’s work at BEMAS has earned him recognition as a thought leader and a go-to resource for maintenance and asset management professionals in the Belgian industry. Through various initiatives, BEMAS encourages the application of advanced technologies and digitalization to improve asset performance and reduce costs. Currently, Wim is working on the MORE4Sustainability project supported by Interreg NWE. The aim is to share knowledge and best practices on how maintenance and asset management can proactively reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.