M-Real Meets Company-Wide Energy Efficiency Goals

Print this article | Send to Colleague

M-real, Finland, reports that it met its target to implement an Energy Efficiency System (EES) in all of its production units by the end of 2009. M-real is among the first companies in the world to adopt such a management system, now integrated into the company's operating policies and providing a foundation for continuous energy efficiency improvement activities in the future. An average of 50-100 energy efficiency projects are underway within the system. The latest major project is the Husum mill's new turbine investment, totaling EUR 22 million. This project, to improve electricity self-sufficiency at the Husum site from 30% - 50%, is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

Optimization of energy efficiency also have a positive environmental impact. The company's carbon dioxide emissions have already decreased by almost 20,000 metric tons a year. The EES is part of M-real's climate program and will enhance the company's competitiveness, as many measures to slow down climate change also have a positive effect on energy costs. Also, water consumption, which is closely related to energy efficiency, has been continuously improved by the EES. And, by paying attention to water consumption, it is possible to make heat usage more effective, the company notes.

M-real points out that its reporting is very open and transparent, and it accordingly has been able to provide customers with carbon footprint calculations for all of its products, covering the manufacturing processes of pulp, board, and paper (including purchased electricity) as well as the transportation of wood raw material, pulp, and products.