We aim to minimize our energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by leveraging efficient technologies and renewable energy sources.
Air Exchange Reduction In Hillerød's Large-Scale Manufacturing Facility
The air flow, temperature and humidity levels of our large-scale manufacturing plant in Hillerød, Denmark, are regulated by a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In 2011, we optimized the air change rates for our HVAC system, which resulted in lower air change rates throughout the plant. For instance, in some areas we were able to reduce the air change rate from 10 to six times per hour. These changes are allowing us to maintain appropriate levels of air flow, while using 18 percent less energy and saving approximately $250,000 per year.
Distribution System Optimization in Hillerød
Our large-scale manufacturing facility in Hillerød utilizes both chilled water and glycol for temperature control of the building. In 2011, we reviewed the distribution systems for water and glycol and identified several opportunities to increase the efficiency of these systems, such as adjusting the pump speeds, reducing the flow of both water and glycol and installing more energy-efficient pumps. In 2011, we adjusted the speed of the pumps that control these systems. By reducing the pump speed, the company saved more than $30,000 in the third and fourth quarters of 2011, as well as a total of 150,000 kWh. In 2012, we expect these changes will save more than $80,000 and 600,000 kWh.
Collaborating to Reduce Steam Expulsion in Cambridge
In 2011, Biogen Idec partnered with Veolia Energy, a locally based operator of a steam distribution network, which supplies reliable thermal energy to customers across Cambridge. Together, we increased the operating steam pressure in our cogeneration plant so that it runs at the same pressure as Veolia’s district steam distribution network. This change enabled us to harvest the otherwise-wasted steam from our cogeneration plant and export it into Veolia’s steam distribution network for reuse. Since going online in December 2011, the interconnection has allowed 1.8 million pounds of steam to be reused in the district energy system instead of being vented to the atmosphere. This has resulted in a reduction of 95 tons of GHG to date and is expected to provide Biogen Idec with a yearly net income of about $25,000. Additionally, in 2011 we received approximately $170,000 through our participation in the Cambridge Energy Alliance’s “On-Peak Demand Resource” Demand Response program. Through this program, we receive payments for reducing the electricity usage of our cogeneration plant during peak load periods, helping both our company and the City of Cambridge reduce our carbon footprint while improving reliability of the electricity grid.
HVAC Fan Wall Retrofit in Cambridge
One of our Cambridge buildings relies on several air-handling units to condition and circulate air as part of an HVAC system. To increase energy efficiency, we are undertaking a multi-year modernization program for the three main air-handler units. In 2010, we replaced the existing air-handler mechanicals in one of the units, which relied on two fans, with a modular array of 10 new small fans. The mechanicals in a second unit were replaced in 2011 with an array of 14 small fans. The new system delivers the same performance while saving more than one million kWh and approximately $165,000 per year in electrical costs. Furthermore, if one fan fails, it can quickly be replaced without affecting operations, and the units can run smoothly with the loss of two fans, reducing the potential impact to operations from a fan failure. We are currently in the planning process for updating the third air-handler unit.
ISO 14001-Certified Manufacturing Facility in Hillerød
In 2011, Hillerød became our first manufacturing facility to receive ISO 14001 certification. ISO 14001 is a voluntary, internationally recognized standard that requires companies to continually improve their environmental performance by systematically setting goals and tracking performance against those goals over time.
To achieve certification, a cross-functional team conducted a comprehensive gap analysis of our environmental management system to determine where we needed to formalize and enhance our processes. The team also set goals for improving our performance in areas such as energy use, water use and waste, among others. Hillerød’s certification is part of a larger corporate initiative in which we are aiming to have all of our manufacturing facilities ISO 14001-certified.
