Manufacturer Thomas Howse is taking steps to reduce energy costs and improve its green credentials after receiving a free assessment from the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) run by the Business Growth West Midlands.
Manufacturer Thomas Howse is taking steps to reduce energy costs and improve its green credentials after receiving a free assessment from the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) run by the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM).
The business received a review of key areas of its operation and premises, together with expert advice on ways in which the management could reduce their energy usage. Thomas Howse received expert recommendations which could potentially unlock annual financial savings totalling £18,152 and the removal of 22.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions per year.
Thomas Howse is an independent industrial paint and powder coating manufacturer based in Rowley Regis. Established in 1903, the company employs 50 people and operates out of an 18,750 sq ft production facility.
The company specialises in paint and powder coatings for industries including agriculture, construction and engineering, as well as the transport, rail and road sectors. The business uses a range of air compressors, mixers, grinding mills, high-speed dispersers and filling equipment as part of their manufacturing process.
Thomas Howse applied to the BEAS Energy Intensive programme for professional advice on reducing energy consumption and costs as well as becoming more environmentally compliant.
Rising energy costs and the fragile energy market were of deep concern to Thomas Howse, and the management wanted to future-proof the business by becoming more efficient.
BEAS was launched to provide small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) who qualify by paying business rates within the West Midlands Combined Authority region, with the tools, insights and funding needed to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
After applying, Thomas Howse was referred to delivery partner Pro Enviro, who conducted an assessment which looked at equipment, lighting and heating changes to pinpoint areas to implement efficiencies. Thomas Howse uses a mix of electricity and gas for heating, lighting and the power to run its manufacturing operations.
The BEAS report recommended that the business consider the installation of a solar power system.
Analysis showed installing panels on the roof could enable Thomas Howse to introduce a new system, saving £10,248 per year in energy costs and the removal of 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions, the biggest potential reductions in the BEAS study.
A review of the lighting across the site found that although it consisted of modern LED fittings, several lights were unnecessary and could be switched off if rewiring work was carried out, with recommendations made which would save £4,855 on annual bills and cut 6.18 tonnes in emissions.
At Thomas Howse, air compressors provide the necessary pressure to atomise and propel paint and powder particles from a spray system onto the surface of an object being painted or coated. The BEAS study found that the installation of a modern variable speed drive (VSD) compressor could save £2,675 annually and remove emissions totalling 3.4 tonnes.
The audit found that the compressed air feed used up to 30% of the total energy used on site, with only around 10% used for its intended purpose. The assessment recommended that the business repair the air pipes, improving reliability and saving an estimated 0.48 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent of up to £374 per year on the bills.
By working with BEAS, businesses like Thomas Howse can apply for grant funds from £1,000 to £100,000 to invest in energy improvement measures, administered by the local authority.
Email: sales@howsepaints.co.uk
Telephone: 0121 5591451
Address: Cakemore Rd, Rowley Regis B65 0RD
Contact Name: Nersi Salehi
Position: Managing Director
Email: nersi.salehi@proenviro.co.uk
Telephone: 01788 538 150
Address: Pro Enviro Ltd
8 Davy Court
Central Park, Rugby
Warwickshire
CV23 0UZ