Best Environmental Practice

Diodes Zetex Semiconductors Ltd in Oldham won the 'large company' category after halving its carbon footprint and slashing costs through resource efficiency.

This large electronics manufacturer, which produces semiconductor components, has consolidated its production processes to allow for older machinery to be decommissioned and replaced with newer, more energy efficient equipment. A thermal processing abatement system has also been fitted to break down gases emitted during production.

The company has reviewed and reduced the amount of waste being produced at all stages of production and increased its recycling levels. Its resource efficiency drive is backed up by a comprehensive staff awareness campaign and internal ‘Green Team’, the launch of a successful cycle to work scheme, and staff involvement in environmental community projects with local schools.

Results:

• - Carbon footprint reduced by 53%, from 30,660 tonnes to 14,418 tonnes of CO₂.
• - 31% reduction in annual water and effluent usage.
• - 23% reduction in annual electricity usage and 7% reduction in gas use.
• - 15% reduction in waste going to landfill.
• - 100% of waste solvents diverted for re-use by a local cement making plant.
• - Annual site CO₂ emissions reduced by 90%.
• - £135,000 NWDA Carbon Challenge Fund grant in 2009 to install an energy efficient, clean-room air conditioning system.

What the judges said:

• "Demonstrates a keen commitment to environmental issues and an understanding that this is key to business success."
• "The company's product innovation to address environmental and sustainability issues has been mirrored by their commitment to carbon reduction and the results are telling in terms of substantial costs benefits."

www.diodes.com
 

Runner Up

KME Yorkshire Ltd, Liverpool

Kirkby-based copper tube manufacturer, KME Yorkshire Copper Tubes, is part of KME Group, Europe’s largest producer of copper and copper alloy products for industry. With free support from resource efficiency advisers at Groundwork Merseyside it has achieved significant reductions to its costs and use of resources through a range of process efficiency and energy reduction measures.

A waste segregation scheme has reduced the amount of hazardous waste being produced and a review of production processes has helped to reduce the amount of lubricating oils being contaminated and going to waste. Additional energy saving measures have included switching off transformers when not in use, reducing factory air pressure and fitting variable speed drives to the master air compressor,  as well as installing energy efficient lighting, heating timer controls, and high speed roller doors to reduce heat loss.

Results:

• - Total CO₂ savings of 643.2 tonnes per year.
• - Total annual cost savings of £113, 790 through resource efficiency.
• - Estimated 20% reduction in gas bills for factory heating.
• - 97 tonne annual reduction in waste diverted from landfill.
• - £11,984 cost saving on hazardous waste management, between 2008 and 2009.
• - Best Contribution to the Environment winner at Knowsley Business Awards 2009.

www.yorkshirecopper.com