The vast majority (98%) of manufacturers across all sectors use electricity, but only around a third (36%) regularly monitor their energy use, and even fewer (11%) monitor both energy use and energy efficiency, according to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.
Across all sizes and sectors of manufacturers, 66% have taken steps in the last five years to improve energy efficiency at their site, with the most common steps including investing in building improvements (47%), implementing behavioural and cultural changes (27%) and replacing industrial equipment (24%).
With high energy prices and growing pressure for businesses to improve energy efficiency and operate in a more sustainable way, there is more that can be done. For manufacturers in the furniture sector, voltage optimisation (VO) could help save money, improve energy efficiency, prolong the lifespan of machinery and other equipment, and help them become a more sustainable business. But what exactly is VO and how could it help furniture manufacturers? UK manufacturer of leading voltage optimisation solutions, GWE, tells us more ...
An introduction to VO
In the UK, electrical equipment is designed to work at 220 volts, however, the national grid can supply businesses and homes with up to 253 volts. This extra voltage is ultimately wasted energy, costing the business money on its bills and increasing its carbon footprint. On top of this, the extra voltage can overload electrical equipment, reducing its lifespan and increasing maintenance needs.
VO works to address these problems by reducing the voltage levels supplied to electrical equipment, ensuring their individual optimum voltage is provided whilst preventing overloading devices. For businesses like furniture manufacturers that use a high level of energy on everything from machinery to lighting, VO offers multiple benefits; it reduces wasteful energy consumption, improves energy efficiency, cuts carbon footprint, reduces downtime and costs associated with equipment maintenance, and saves money on energy bills.
Since 1994, GWE has been a leader in VO and manufactures its VO units in its factory in Sheffield. It has worked with many well-known brands from Asda to Kellogg’s. Working with Ikea, GWE helped it reduce the annual electricity bill of its Peterborough site by £39,502, as well as cut CO2 emissions by 158 tonnes in the process. Another example, saw its VO solution eco-max reduce the energy consumption of Amazon’s Milton Keynes distribution centre by 11.75%, delivering a pay back on the investment in just eight months.
Sarah Cramer, MD of GWE, explains what opportunities VO presents for manufacturers: “Energy intensive businesses such as those in manufacturing have never been under so much pressure to operate in a greener, more efficient way while also watching their costs. The last couple of years in particular have seen a lot of businesses struggle with rising energy prices. VO is a relatively simple and efficient way that manufacturers can resolve these problems and ultimately help them run a greener, more profitable business.
“Taking steps like improving the building fabric and replacing old equipment are positive, but when businesses are ultimately receiving and paying for more voltage than they need, if they don’t find a way to control and optimise this then they could well be paying too much for their electricity, damaging their equipment and adding to their carbon footprint.”
Starting your VO journey
It’s estimated that only 50,000 business properties in the UK currently have VO fitted, with a further 2.5 million potential business properties that would be suitable for the technology.
For manufacturers that are interested in finding out how VO could help them, their first step should be to work with a reseller, such as energy efficiency consultants, facilities managers, electrical contractors or energy management companies. Working with a reputable VO manufacturer, they will carry out surveys and deliver a report to calculate how much you could save if VO was installed, as well as specify what solutions would be most effective. Installation can be quick, with regular reports following to illustrate energy and cost savings.
“The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s Energy Efficiency in the Manufacturing Sector report showed that 32% of manufacturers who seek advice on how to improve their energy efficiency will contact external consultants, followed by 21% who will explore online tools and resources,” says Sarah. “It’s positive that nearly a third are seeking external advice, but manufacturers keen to explore how VO could help them should seek resellers and expert third parties who specialise in the technology and who can run the necessary surveys and audits to demonstrate what savings can be made. Online tools like this Energy Saving Calculator are also a helpful starting point.”
Meet the MD: Sarah Cramer
What’s been the highlight of your journey at GWE?
There have been so many incredible moments, but our recent move to a much larger headquarters ranks high. Seeing our team flourish and needing quadrupled space is a fantastic testament to their hard work and dedication. It’s a symbol of how far we’ve come, and it fuels our excitement to keep pushing the boundaries of sustainability and efficiency.
What initially drew you to the sustainable energy industry?
The opportunity to be a part of a fundamental shift towards a healthier planet. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for me. It’s about making conscious choices, both personally and professionally, to minimise our impact on the environment. What excites me most is that these green practices often align with streamlining business operations. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Looking ahead, what are the biggest opportunities in the sustainable energy market?
The market is ripe with potential. Consumers and businesses are increasingly eco-conscious, driving demand for innovative solutions like energy-efficient products. We’re seeing a significant shift towards renewable energy sources and a growing interest in technologies like VO that can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Why should manufacturers consider adopting VO?
VO offers a fantastic range of benefits for manufacturers. It allows for significant energy savings, which translates to lower operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint. This enhances your environmental responsibility and strengthens your brand image among eco-conscious consumers. VO also reduces your equipment energy consumption, carbon footprint, and equipment replacement frequency.
What are the long-term implications for manufacturers who install VO?
Implementing VO positions manufacturers as sustainability leaders in their industries. Consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s environmental practices. VO not only reduces energy usage but also demonstrates your commitment to a greener future. This forward-thinking approach can give you a significant competitive edge.
