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PullSwitchTwistElectricity SavingsPULL out chargers when not in use, TWIST in an energy-efficient light bulb, SWITCH off anyunused appliances and INSTALL a solar water geyser. www.SavingElectricity.org.zaKeeping tabs on energy consumptionAstrapak’s Energy Management Committee has established a set of energy guidelines forconverting existing equipment and regulating the purchase of new.Even before the most recent round of price hikes, electricity was the third-highest production input, pipped only by labour andraw materials. In light of this, it makes sense to familiarise yourself with the Energy Management Committee’s guidelines.For existing electrical equipment:• DC motors should be replaced with AC motors when they become unserviceable• Heater blankets should be added to all extruders• Light fittings should be replaced with energy-efficient versionsInstallWhen purchasing new equipment, it’s easier and cheaper to specify energy-efficient models upfront than to try and upgradelater. As with any equipment, the initial purchase cost is only one element of the decision-making process; the ‘whole life’cost (purchase price plus operating costs) is the more important benchmark. Bear in mind that the cost of energy used by aparticular machine during its lifetime will be much higher than the actual purchase cost, so energy-efficient machines savemoney in the long term.CategoryOffice equipmentHeating, ventilationand airconditioningAncillary equipmentInjection mouldersExtrusion – blownand cast filmExtrusion – blowmouldingGuidelinesSpecify only Energy Star-accredited products (see below)Refer to the Energy Technology list for guidance where appropriate (see below)• Chiller compressors should be of the screw type• Avoid direct expansion evaporators• Dryers should be of the carousel type, or• Low Pressure Drying technology, or• Infrared Rapid Drying for cooling towers, boilers and lighting – refer to the EnergyTechnology list below• Give preference to all-electric over hydraulic• Ask suppliers about other energy-saving equipment•Ensure all new equipment is fitted with AC motors and variable-speed drives•New extruders should be fitted with barrel heater insulation• Give preference to all-electric machines over hydraulicWhat is Energy Star?Energy Star is a joint programme of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, designed tohelp save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. With the help of Energy Star,Americans saved enough energy in 2010 alone to avoid greenhouse-gas emissions equivalent to those from 33 million cars andsaved nearly $18 billion on their utility bills. Go to www.energy.gov for more information.What is the Energy Technology List?The Energy Technology List is a UK database of products that have been inspected and proven to be low carbon and energysaving. British organisations purchasing items from this approved list are able to get tax incentives, as it will help the countryreach its Kyoto target of reducing carbon emissions by 20%. Unfortunately, the tax benefits do not apply to South Africanbusinesses but the list is a great guideline for potential purchases that meet strict energy-saving criteria. Go to www.eca.gov.ukfor more information.8ASTRAPAK NEWS