The Challenge
A facility's Scope 2 emissions were 718 tons CO2e annually from 850 MWh grid consumption. Sustainability targets required 25% emissions reduction, necessitating 212-ton CO2e reduction.
What Became Visible
Energy audit revealed that 850 MWh was distributed: production machinery 520 MWh, HVAC 165 MWh, compressed air 95 MWh, utilities 45 MWh, other 25 MWh. Detailed efficiency analysis showed: HVAC was oversized and running continuously year-round (could be 35% lower with scheduling), compressed air had 28% leakage (could be 30% lower with repairs), machinery had 12% idle consumption (could be 15% lower with scheduling).
What Changed
Multi-pronged electricity efficiency program: (1) HVAC seasonal scheduling (−35% in winter, −18% in summer). (2) Compressed air leak repair + optimization (−28%). (3) Machinery idle power elimination (−18%). (4) 50 kWp solar installation for 15% of daytime consumption.
How it worked: HVAC zones were controlled seasonally — summer cooling maintained 18°C in production areas, winter reverted to 22°C during off-hours. Compressed air system underwent leak repair and pressure optimization. Production machinery received idle-power shutdown schedules. Solar generation supplied ~125 MWh annually (~15% of consumption). Combined measures reduced grid consumption from 850 MWh to 610 MWh.
Results
−28%
−28%
50 kWp solar
exceeds 212-ton goal
Scope 2 reduction isn't about paying for renewable energy credits — it's about consuming less electricity. Efficiency first, then renewable generation.
Operational Reality
Most facilities can achieve 20–30% electricity reduction through efficiency improvements without capital expenditure, just operational optimization.