By taking simple low and no-cost actions to improve their compressed air systems and processes, UK businesses could save up to £110m a year, according to new guidance published by the Carbon Trust. And alongside its new guide, the Trust is to host an online webinar next week to highlight the efficient use of compressed air equipment.
Compressed air accounts for around ten per cent of UK industry’s electricity consumption — equivalent to the annual output of nearly 1.5 power stations and over 5 million tonnes of CO2 emitted to the atmosphere.
In its new guide, the Carbon Trust provides practical advice on choosing an air compressor, maintenance, leak prevention and using compressed air appropriately. By following these simple measures, says the Trust, businesses across a range of sectors can make significant cuts to their electricity spend on compressed air. In the industrial sector for example, a typical business could save £1500 a year by improving their compressed air processes and systems.
“There is a misconception that compressed air is a free or low cost resource, when, in fact, the opposite is true," said Richard Rugg, Director, Carbon Trust Programmes. "Just a single 3mm hole in a compressed air system creates a leak, which can cost a business an additional £1000 a year in electricity costs.
"This is not a niche problem. Compressed air is being used across industries as diverse as aircraft manufacturing, water treatment, electronics and engineering. Our new guide provides practical and easy to implement advice that will enable businesses to cut their electricity spend on compressed air by up to a third.”
The 'Compressed Air Overview' guide is part of the Carbon Trust's 'Expert in Energy' series. And the Trust's webinar on reducing running costs and improving compressed air system efficiency takes place at noon on January 30th. To download the guide and/or book a webinar place visit www.carbontrust.co.uk/expertinenergy.
