Metal manufacturing energy efficiency

Metals production and processing is an energy-intensive industry. By using less energy you can:

• save money on your fuel bills
• help to combat climate change
• improve your reputation with staff, customers and the public

Check if you can claim an exemption or discount from the climate change levy

The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is a tax on using non-renewable energy. If the CCL applies to your business you will already be paying it as part of your energy bill. Your business may be exempt from the CCL, or entitled to a discount, if you meet energy efficiency targets set out in a climate change agreement.

Ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

If you are moving premises you should make sure you receive an EPC for the building from the seller or your landlord. This includes domestic, commercial and public buildings.

The certificate gives the building an A-G energy efficiency rating and recommends how you can improve the energy rating of the building. The ratings are standard, so you can compare the energy efficiency of one building with another building of a similar type.

If you sell, let, construct or refurbish a building, you must obtain an Energy Performance Certificate.

Smart energy meters

The government is introducing smart electricity and gas meters to help businesses save money and reduce their carbon emissions. Smart meters will mean automatic and accurate billing. They should allow you to monitor live energy consumption and prices to help you use less power at peak times when it is most expensive.

Reduce your energy use

Review the energy your business uses. Look at your business activities and think of ways that you could save energy.

Compare the amount of energy that your business uses with industry standards. Your trade association can help you find this information.

Ensure you use plant, machinery and equipment efficiently:

• Turn off welders when you are not using them. Arc, metal inert gas and tungsten inert gas welders use substantial amounts of energy even when they are not being used for welding.
• Set the temperature on afterburners to the minimum level that still meets standards for emissions to air. Afterburners use lots of energy because of the high temperature they require.
• Use the lowest melt temperature in furnaces for the metals you are working with.
• Install lids on crucible furnaces to maintain heat, and close them whenever possible.
• Reduce the amount of scrap metal produced from the production process - it will need more energy to re-melt it.
• Run furnaces continuously at their optimum output, rather than heating them up from cold, as this improves their efficiency. You may be able to improve your efficiency by changing working practices and shift patterns, and using fewer furnaces for longer periods of time.
• Use energy-efficient replacements when you need to change motors, drives and pumps.
• Fit variable speed drives to existing motors, pumps and fans where appropriate.

Include targets and ways to reduce energy use in your environmental management system.

For ideas on how to improve your energy efficiency, see how to save money by using energy more efficiently.