Energy efficiency in the company: Examples, tips and optimisation through IoT solutions

Energy efficiency means that companies achieve maximum results in every activity with the lowest possible energy consumption. In other words, they minimise energy consumption while maintaining production or performance. This also enables companies to reduce negative environmental impacts - such as CO₂ emissions.

A step that is urgently needed! Because according to the Federal Environment Agency (2022 statistics), 85 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from energy sources such as electricity and heat. This can be drastically reduced through various measures.

For example, IoT solutions such as smart buildings play a central role. Such smart systems analyse energy requirements in real time and adapt consumption to actual use. This reduces energy consumption and minimises operating costs - less energy consumption equals lower CO₂ emissions. For every kilowatt hour of electricity consumed, 363 grams of CO₂ are emitted..

Apart from this, companies that are committed to climate protection benefit from a better image. After all, both skilled workers and customers appreciate such an attitude.

The Energy Efficiency Act obliges companies to comply with or implement certain energy efficiency requirements, such as

• Regular energy audits
• Identify measures to reduce consumption
• Implementing energy management systems

Companies can therefore no longer stick exclusively to their own targets, but must orientate themselves towards binding reduction targets for overall energy consumption.

The centrepiece of all this is the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEFG), which came into force at the end of 2023. It was introduced by the government in order to systematically reduce energy consumption and achieve the climate targets set by the European Union by 2030.

Yes, the law on energy efficiency in companies applies to everyone. However, different strict guidelines apply depending on company size and consumption. These are as follows:

Industry is already showing how energy efficiency in business can work. They are pursuing a wide range of approaches to identify potential savings. Here are three practical examples: 

• Heat recovery: A few years ago, industrial facilities generated waste heat (exhaust gases, cooling water, steam) that went unused and was simply released into the atmosphere. With heat recovery systems, however, this waste heat can be reused in other equipment or processes. This significantly reduces energy consumption and increases energy efficiency in business.
• Optimising production processes: At this stage, industrial companies often rely on IoT solutions . These can optimise production processes in various ways. For instance, energy consumption can be analysed in real time. Inefficient machines can thus be identified at an early stage and processes adjusted. At the same time, the solutions help to increase sustainability. Through monitoring, it is possible to reduce material offcuts and scrap. This means less waste is generated and operating costs are reduced. Special environmental and energy management systems can help with implementation.
• Switching to green energy sources: Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy not only contributes to sustainability but can also lower energy costs in the long term. In addition, companies that switch to renewables indirectly reduce CO₂ emissions, as the consumption of fossil fuels is considered one of the biggest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) has launched a special funding programme for businesses in this area.

So the industrial sector already demonstrates through various measures how energy efficiency and climate protection can go hand in hand in business. IoT solutions in particular stand out – technologies that will become increasingly important in the future. They allow numerous processes to be further optimised by digitally recording and managing energy flows. Intelligent metering systems  prioritise the use of self-generated energy and identify peak demand periods to manage costs and investments efficiently.

So now you know how industrial companies can play their part in improving energy efficiency. But what specific changes can you make in your company? In the following, we will present you with some realisable measures. Please note that these naturally always depend on the industry:

• Energy-efficient lighting: Offices, production halls, warehouses or outdoor areas - you should switch to LED lighting in all areas. LED lights consume 50 Prozent weniger Energie! At this point, you should also think about IoT solutions. Intelligent lighting control can use brightness sensors, for example, to optimise the use of daylight. In unused areas, on the other hand, they can switch off the light automatically.
• Energy-efficient products and systems: When purchasing products and systems, pay attention to the energy efficiency class (EU energy label), the appropriate size and the power consumption. As a rule, this will allow you to significantly reduce energy consumption.
• Employee training: It is important that you also get your employees on board. According to experts, this can reduce energy costs by 5 to 15 per cent. The main aim should be to sensitise employees to optimised ventilation, heating and lighting. However, training should also include topics such as switching off unused appliances.
• Optimised heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems: This measure offers considerable savings potential. Modern systems allow a centralised control system to regulate the room temperature in a targeted manner. Particularly at night or during non-operational times, the systems can easily lower the temperature by a few degrees to reduce energy consumption and costs.
• Automatic consumption control, optimisation and digitalisation: This is more of a step for the future. With the help of MCR, you can automatically control various processes in the building and on the systems. Incidentally, MSR is the abbreviation for measurement, control and regulation technology, a measure that is also subsidised by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK).

The German government has now launched various subsidies to improve energy efficiency in companies. This means that you do not have to bear all the costs of implementation alone. The German Energy Agency (Dena) could be one of your first points of contact when it comes to energy efficiency in your company. It has been advising and supporting companies on their path to greater energy efficiency since 2011.