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Growing energy efficiency at companies – this is the aim of an initiative set up by the Federal government, trade associations and German business organisations. The goal: to work together to create around 500 energy efficiency networks across the country by 2020. LWG has also joined in. REMONDIS Aqua’s PPP has become a member of the Cottbus municipal energy network where it is looking to drive sustainability and help prevent climate change.
One of the main tasks of these networks is to increase energy efficiency levels at industrial, trade, retail and commercial businesses. Around 50 such networks have already been set up including KEN Cottbus (Cottbus municipal energy network), of which LWG Lausitzer Wasser GmbH & Co. KG has become a member. The company introduced an energy management system in line with DIN ISO 50001 into its business in 2014. This system helps give a clear picture about energy consumption and reveals where savings can be made.
LWG Lausitzer Wasser GmbH & Co. KG is the market leader for supplying water and treating wastewater in the Lausitz region.
The members of KEN Cottbus meet regularly to discuss effective initiatives that might cut energy consumption and curb global warming. LWG is able to contribute here as one of the PPP’s key policies is to find and implement measures to prevent climate change. This Brandenburg-based company, for example, had a photovoltaic system installed at its Cottbus-Sachsendorf waterworks in 2013 – a move that has cut its annual electricity bill by approx. 30 percent. Last year, the plant was linked up to three new raw water booster pumps that are primarily run on solar electricity. In addition to this, LWG has also been generating storable biogas at its Cottbus sewage treatment plant since 1995. This gas is used to produce electricity and heat in combined heat and power stations as and when required.
The photovoltaic system installed at LWG's Cottbus-Sachsendorf waterworks in 2013 has cut its annual electricity bill there by approx
KEN Cottbus currently has 18 members including a clinic, Cottbus zoo and the local public transport company. 13 of them are to have energy audits (in line with DIN EN 16427) carried out at their business premises. This joint initiative can help out here, too. “The regular meetings are really important as they enable the members to exchange ideas and experiences and support each other to implement measures,” explained Ralph Grohmann, who hosts the KEN Cottbus get-togethers. And this nationwide initiative to help prevent climate change is proving to be effective. The latest results show that the network companies have, on average, reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 1,000 tonnes CO2 and increased their energy productivity twice as fast as the industry average.