Central building control technology Huge potential for energy saving
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Defined as a key topic for EVVA GRI 302: Energy; 305: Emissions UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), No 7: Affordable and clean energy; No. 12 Sustainable consumption and production

EVVA introduces a central digital building management system (BMS). First in the extension to the headquarters, which was completed at the end of 2021, and then subsequently for all buildings of the HQ. In the first step, it centrally controls the fire alarm system in the extension and, from 2024, the entire building management system. We expect this to have a very positive impact on energy consumption and emissions reduction, as the following targets show.


Concrete core activation implemented

Photo of preparation for the thermal activation of the ceilings (concrete core activation)
Preparation for the thermal activation of the ceilings (concrete core activation)

The extension to the headquarters was also equipped with an modern concrete core activation (also known as building component activation) in 2021 for optimal heating and cooling. Here, hoses in which water can circulate as a heating or cooling medium are cast directly into the ceilings. The flow-through ceilings are thermally activated as transfer and storage mass. They absorb or dissipate heat over their entire surfaces – and thus ensure a uniform temperature throughout the year. Due to the large transfer surfaces, water does not have to be heated as much as, for example, with conventional central heating with radiators. The system works with air heat pumps, air cooling pumps and heat exchangers.

"Since concrete stores and conducts the respective temperature of the water particularly well, the system can be used for both cooling and heating. Air pumps regulate the exchange of heat and cold", summarises Martin van Berkum, EVVA Head of Production Technology.

With concrete core activation, EVVA saves around 50,000 kWh of natural gas consumption at its headquarters every year. This means that the equivalent of 14 single-family houses could be supplied with electricity per year. The CO² emissions are reduced by 12 tonnes per year.
 

BMS implementation at EVVA:

  • Improved compressors
    In 2022, EVVA invested in two new compressors – these are 15% more energy efficient than the old devices. They reduce electricity consumption by 90,000 kWh per year, which is around 1.8% of total electricity consumption
     
  • More energy-efficient coordination of cooling
    In 2017, EVVA merged all five main cooling units. A central return cooler now switches on and off as required. In the past, the individual units cooled independently without a central control system to regulate the exact demand. We therefore consumed energy unnecessarily. Through this measure, EVVA saves 68,137 kWh of energy every year, which is as much as approx. 20 private households consume annually (assumption: 3,500 kWh / year). We have set the goal of achieving this improvement also for our heating system
     
  • Dissipation of machine waste heat
    A fan was installed on one of our large production machines in 2016/2017 to dissipate the waste heat upwards. In the case of this machine, the resulting energy saving of 5,320 kWh was significant because it is completely enclosed, i.e. it has a protective all-round shell, and one cooling unit is required per processing unit. This intensive production process generates more heat and therefore more electricity is required for cooling. Thanks to the fan, which requires far less energy than the cooling units, EVVA has been able to save more than the annual requirement of a private household. EVVA plans to also apply this concept to other machines
     
  • Photo of compressors
    Compressors
    Leaks eliminated
    With new piping and the installation of new valves and shut-off valves, EVVA has eliminated leaks in the compressed air lines. This means that the compressors can run for a shorter period of time and that EVVA could save 74,000 kWh of energy per year (= electricity demand of more than 20 private households). Comparison: A hole measuring 1 mm in diameter releases 75 litres of air per minute, at a cost of 480 euros per year. Find out more under Compressed air optimisation 
Our targets

Fulfilment date: 2024

How: Beginning with a centrally controlled fire alarm system in the new extension in 2021 to a fully centralised building management system (BMS) for the entire headquarters in 2024.

Positive effects: The BMS will analyse the power requirements, idling, operating times and peak times of heaters and air conditioners in detail. The built-in AI then automatically regulates the system – e.g. according to outdoor temperature – and in an energy-efficient way. The new building control system will result in an estimated energy saving of 100,000 kWh per year (this is enough to supply around 30 single-family homes with electricity).

Fulfilment date: 2023

How: The central control of the cooling units described in the text should also be applied to the heating. All 6 existing boiler houses at the headquarters will be combined and centrally controlled.

Positive effects: 35,000 kWh less energy consumption per year

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