When it comes to sustainability, Stadtwerke Gießen is setting a good example: an energy management system certified by TÜV Rheinland will help the entire company to identify potential savings and systematically reduce consumption in future.
The topic of energy efficiency is one of the main pillars of the energy transition - the German government emphasised this once again at the end of 2014 and launched a corresponding national action plan. It promotes and demands more activity in the area of energy saving.
"As an energy supply company, we act as a kind of role model when it comes to utilising existing potential and increasing energy efficiency," explains Jens Schmidt, Commercial Director of Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). "This is precisely why we decided a few years ago to record and analyse energy data across the entire Group," adds Reinhard Paul, Chief Technical Officer. Accordingly, SWG was already very well positioned when the introduction of a standardised energy management system (EnMS) was on the agenda. "One of the aims was to continue along the path we had already embarked on, to bundle the monitoring from the individual divisions and to set specific targets," explains Matthias Funk, Head of Heat Supply at SWG. The project was launched in summer 2013, and on Thursday 12 February Sebastian Kaiser from TÜV Rheinland presented the certificate for an EnMS in accordance with the globally valid DIN EN ISO 50001.
Corporate mission statement for energy efficiency
The certification of an EnMS requires - in addition to the systematic recording and evaluation of energy data - comprehensive documentation and professional energy management. This includes, for example, employee training, internal audits and written guidelines. "Our goal is to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption wherever technically and organisationally possible. The specific savings target is 1.3 per cent per year," said Matthias Funk at the presentation of the certificate.
Some major projects, such as the further diversification of the fuels used or the expansion of renewable energies, are part of the strategic direction for the coming years. Reinhard Paul explained: "The introduction of a certified energy management system is also a signal to and an obligation for all of us at SWG." Jens Schmidt made it clear: "Every employee has an important role to play - starting with conscious behaviour in everyday life. Energy management concerns us all."