E.ON and the National Energy Foundation are pleased to announce that the four finalists of the third E.ON Energy Award (formerly the Powergen Energy Management Award), announced at the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme presentations ceremony on 14 December 2004 are:
The award was open to organisations gaining accreditation or re-accreditation under the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme during 2004. In announcing the award, Peter Haigh from its sponsor, E.ON, congratulated all those on the shortlist for continuing to recognise the importance of energy efficiency at a time of volatile energy markets.
Naming the winner for 2004 as Epson (UK) Ltd, Richard Tinson of the National Energy Foundation explained "Epson employ only 280 employees in the UK, and not all establishments of this size pay much attention to energy. Fortunately, in Epson they have that rare combination of committed senior management and - in Sheila Cullen - a skilled and enthusiastic manager with responsibility for energy as part of her wider facilities management role."
The key features of the award winners are:
Epson (UK) Ltd
Epson (UK) Ltd operates a sales ans administration centre at Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire that is a relatively small part of the global Epson Group, but which manages to meet and exceed all the key Head Office drivers for energy efficiency and sustainability. The elements of this include comprehensive energy data collection, calculation of performance indicators and compliance with ISO14001. A new staff induction programme includes identifying the importance of energy efficiency. In common with other Epson facilities, there is a "green factory committee", and an unusual and impressive "energy mirror" in the main entrance that records and displays real-time electricity and gas use for all to see.
Among the work that has been carried out since Epson (UK) Ltd was first accredited three years ago are:
phased implementation of energy efficiency lighting (high frequency ballasts with movement detectors throughout)
introduction of flat screen monitors throughout the offices
networking PCs to new energy saving printers
instructing security contractors to switch off unnecessary plant and equipment
offering a free lunch for the department with the best record in energy efficiency.
Energy consumption per employee has fallen by 21% from 446 to 349 kWh per capita over the 2001-3 period.
The Mersey Care NHS Trust provides mental health services from 33 sites in Merseyside. The Trust has gained accreditation for the first time in 2004, although it builds on the previous accreditation first awarded in 1998 to the Ashworth Hospital, one of the main sites operated by the Trust. The Trust has a detailed energy policy, which is summed up in the simple statement "Energy Conservation must be effective at all levels of the organisation; staff understand what is required within the organisation, and that their individual efforts will result in reducing fuel consumption and expenditure".
Detailed records of consumption of gas and electricity are kept, and carefully monitored; data is adjusted for temperature through the use of degree days. Over the past 10 years, energy consumption at the main Ashworth Hospital site has fallen by 31%, with a particular reduction in gas for heating; electricity consumption has suffered recently due to enhanced security measures. Over the same period the capital programme has included some 24 projects with a significant energy efficiency component, including major upgrades to boilers, controls and lighting. Benchmarking is carried out between ward blocks, as well as with the broader NHS estate for similar hospitals.
Moores Furniture Group are a major manufacturer of quality kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture in the UK. They have gained accreditation for the first time in 2004, but have produced an annual update to their energy policy for several years. A noteworthy aspect of their energy use is the use of wood-based waste material from the production process as a fuel to provide space heating for most of their main manufacturing site in Wetherby, North Yorkshire. This avoids disposal costs and is carbon neutral as the wood is from a renewable source.
Moores systematically monitor their energy use and have included a ring fenced budget for investment in energy saving equipment in recent years. So, as an example, in 2002 this was spent on a new system to control the factory heating and in 2003 was used to install inverters on ventilation fan drives. Their attention has now turned especially to lighting improvements.
Moores are also concerned about energy efficiency in their distribution fleet, and have specified new trucks with enhanced features including low-rolling resistance tyres and improved cab aerodynamics.
Energy is calculated on the basis of kWh consumed per furniture carcase, against a pre-set target. The average energy consumption, measured in this way, is 15% below the target for 2004 to date, and 3% below the equivalent 2003 figure. They calculate carbon dioxide emissions for internal use, and intend to publish these in future years, once they have gained ISO14001.
QinetiQ in partnership with Amey won the award in 2003, in respect of their Malvern site. This year, the Cody Technology Park at Farnborough is the subject of a nomination. The park comprises 110 buildings, across which overall energy consumption has fallen over the past three years from 810kWh/m2 to 736kWh/m2 - a 9% saving. It is intended to cut energy use by a further 5% in 2005 across the three technology parks managed by QinetiQ & Amey.
All consumption data is logged on half-hourly metering and an energy forum meets every second month to review current energy initiatives and determine future action. High level energy services have been carried out, with part funding from the Carbon Trust, and inter-site benchmarking is undertaken.
A wide range of energy efficiency investment in recent years has included systematic upgrading to high frequency lighting and extensive pipe and valve lagging. Work has also been carried out to improve control systems, resulting in lower gas consumption even though activity has increased in many of the buildings, and to link the chilling plant into the BEMS system.
E.ON and the National Energy Foundation are pleased to announce that the four finalists of the third E.ON Energy Award (formerly the Powergen Energy Management Award), announced at the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme 
