Carbon dioxide neutral fuels
The energy used to power production equipment, lighting and heating of premises is another major part of our environmental impact. Viewed historically, heating oil is one of the primary means of heating at many facilities. At these facilities, we are working actively on introducing fuels that are more carbon dioxide neutral, e.g. wood pellets. In the past three years, heating oil has been replaced at two of 10 facilities and it is planned to add more in the future. The replacements that have been carried out have brought an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 1,000 tonnes.
Solar cells
Eleven-metre high solar cell panels covering a total of 2,200 m² have been mounted on the southern wall of Benders’ Uddevalla factory. These panels are of the thin-film type, developed using a technology that is partly related to that used in SunWave, Benders’ new solar panel.
The façade is attractive and, in principle, maintenance free. It also gives production a real energy boost. Many experts think that, for maximum return, solar panels should be angled. Nonetheless, Benders has calculated that the solar-cell façade will contribute 260 MWh of fossil-free electricity a year.
Work is ongoing to review similar solutions for several of our facilities.
Benders’ solar panels
Roof tiles are Benders’ largest and most venerable product. Benders’ roof tiles are on six out of every ten houses in Sweden. As a step in our initiatives to reach the goal of reduced global carbon dioxide emissions, we are now offering solar panels adapted for our roofs. Environmental awareness, safety and aesthetics have been the guiding lights in this development.
In Sweden, solar panels produce most of their output between March and October. However, some energy can be produced throughout the year. For a standard detached house, a solar panel can provide 5,000 kWh a year and make a significant contribution to the household.
LED light fittings
A few of the other measures continuously being introduced at our units to improve energy performance include: replacing light fittings with LED alternatives; limiting no-load running (standby losses); checking for leaks of compressed air; and, improving procedures. At the majority of our facilities, energy surveys are also in progress.
Total energy consumption along with carbon dioxide emissions linked to electricity and heating oil are shown below.
CO2 emissions
Currently, we measure diesel consumption for our internal transport (company cars and work machines at depots, not products).
* The 2020 increase in CO2 emissions is due to Benders having acquired two more factories.
