HKScan has started a group-wide energy efficiency project aimed at decreasing its energy usage by 10% from the 2014 level by 2017, indexed to net sales. The group is also actively seeking ways to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
“We continuously improve our processes to enhance our energy efficiency. By doing so, we are able to reduce emissions from our own processes and, at the same time, decrease our energy-related costs,” says HKScan’s CEO Hannu Kottonen.
Some examples of the concrete actions that support the enhanced energy efficiency are installation of heat pumps, the optimization of cooling systems and the use of excess heat to warm up water. “We are also investing in control systems and in equipment that is more energy efficient and modern,” explains project manager Vera Söderberg, HKScan’s energy efficiency project.
HKScan’s target is also to be more environmentally sound by decreasing its greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its total energy usage. HKScan will take into consideration the growing concerns related to climate change. HKScan personnel are encouraged to give their input to enhance energy efficiency and to come up with ideas and concrete actions on how to save energy.
The project, started in early 2015, is targeted to lighten the group’s environmental footprint and is part of the HKScan corporate responsibility program.
“Furthermore, this is one more way to reduce energy-related costs because many options based on renewable energy sources, options like district heating and steam, and the use of biogas are profitable in the short and the long run,” says Söderberg. In addition to biogas, by-products, such as animal fat and vegetable oil from frying lines, are used in energy production.
