Energy audit at Saint-Gobain North Vietnam’s gypsum plant

Project update — 2021.

The project recorded energy consumption equivalent to 6,496 TOE for Saint-Gobain North Vietnam Building Materials Co., Ltd. in 2020. The survey, data collection and measurements described a gypsum plant with modern equipment, an integrated, closed production system and automated control. Energy efficiency had been considered during equipment selection when the factory was built.

Existing measures

• Installing variable-speed drives throughout the production motor systems.
• Using LED lamps for all factory and office lighting.

Assessment and improvement priorities

ITVC Global identified further opportunities to improve energy management and energy performance.

The energy-management assessment scored 73%, indicating further improvement potential. This is a project management assessment result, not equipment energy-conversion efficiency.

Efficient energy use needs continuous management and review at the factory.

Proposed management actions

The proposed management measures were:

• Set annual energy-saving objectives and actions for achieving them.
• Strengthen operational housekeeping.
• Train employees and raise awareness of economical and efficient energy use.

Ongoing energy management

• Calculate and establish energy consumption indicators per product unit, work team and production stage.
• Plan further reductions in energy consumption for subsequent years.
• Set air-conditioning temperatures at 26°C (or 25°C) or above under the operating conditions considered in the project.
• Use energy-efficient electrical equipment and turn off loads after work where safe and appropriate.
• Use energy-efficient lighting in common areas and assign the security team to manage switching times.
• Limit unnecessary use of lights, fans, air conditioners and other loads during working hours.

Project photographs