This case study presents an energy audit in the rubber industry, showing how structured analysis of energy use can unlock significant savings and efficiency improvements. Numerous real-world examples clearly show that companies often implement energy efficiency measures in a fragmented way, without aligning them with other potential actions. Such an approach can lead to technically and economically suboptimal outcomes.

The client decided to take a gradual approach toward sustainable energy use and commissioned an energy audit to analyze the company’s current energy consumption. Based on the findings, we developed professionally substantiated recommendations to guide the planning of energy efficiency measures. The goal is to reduce costs related to energy, water, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall environmental impact.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the national Energy Act, the purpose of the energy audit is to identify measures for reducing energy and water consumption, cutting energy costs, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions—particularly CO₂. This reflects the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and improving energy performance.

The objectives include assessing and documenting the current state of energy and water consumption within the company. Additional goals include:

• Raising awareness and knowledge among employees,
• Reducing energy use and CO₂ emissions,
• Increasing operational efficiency,
• Ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and
• Presenting feasible measures to reduce energy use, costs, and emissions.

The audit covered the analysis of four facilities and their consumption of energy and water on-site. It included measurement data from primary meters for electricity, natural gas, drinking water, nitrogen, steam, and compressed air.

The audit was based on data collected during the reference period from 2020 to 2022.

A total of 9 energy efficiency measures were proposed, which could result in nearly 1,500 MWh of energy savings per year—equivalent to annual cost savings of approximately 165,000 EUR. The total investment required to implement all measures is estimated at 725,000 EUR.

The entire energy audit process enables the company to contribute to sustainable operations, improve competitiveness, and meet its environmental responsibilities. The investment in these measures is expected to generate significant long-term savings and benefits for both the company and the environment.