People power our energy transition

The energy transition definitely isn’t powering itself. To learn more about what we’re doing, we’re talking to two of the people working on strategy and implementation: Christian Eschauzier, our Global Director of Environment, and Eline Lenselink, who as our Global Category Manager Manufacturing Services is responsible for purchasing our energy.

“Both of our roles seek to make the path to our ambitions more tangible by making the translation from vision to strategy and then execution,” says Christian.

In order to achieve the decarbonization ambition of 50% by 2030 that AkzoNobel has for its own operations (also known as Scope 1 and 2 emissions), Christian and Eline focus on two pillars. One is increasing renewable electricity purchase to 100% and the other is reducing the relative energy we consume by 30% by 2030 (versus 2018 as a baseline).

Walking the talk in our energy transition

“As you can see from the image [above], when we talk about the energy transition, Scope 1 and 2 are within our direct control,” says Christian. “When talking about these emission ‘buckets’, it’s crucial to realize that our Scope 1 and 2 are someone else’s Scope 3, and therefore we need to walk the talk and show reduction in our own organization.

“When you break down the Scope 1 and 2 emission reduction that Eline and I are focused on into real numbers – for instance, actual reduction ambitions for the sites – the difference we can make is significant, though not necessarily easy to achieve.”

Sites have a big role to play in consuming less energy

We’ve committed to reducing our relative energy consumption by 30% by 2030 (baseline 2018). Since the bulk of our energy consumption comes from our manufacturing sites – around 80% of it – this is where most of our attention is placed, in addition to offices, warehouses and stores.

“In terms of actually reducing the energy consumption, there is no secret other than filling up a pipeline of energy reduction projects,” says Christian. “What we’ve seen is that the number one easy and cost-effective solution is shutting down equipment when not in use – just like at home, turn off the light.”

“We’re steadily getting traction as sites get a better understanding of their consumption patterns,” he explains. “For example, the energy consumption on sites can be quite high over the weekend when it shouldn’t be. Sites then systematically identify what can be turned off, turned down or consolidated. Understanding the power bill and monitoring usage in specific areas provide us with insights we can use to reduce consumption.

“What’s critical is that we have people on site that support these activities and bring them to the next level – which, considering numerous KPIs and other responsibilities, isn’t an easy task. If the energy champion and the management team can overcome resource and prioritization challenges, we make progress. It takes time and a collective effort from everyone in the organization, but now, certainly helped by high energy prices, we see our pipeline of energy projects filling up.”

Investments with impact

LED lighting in Montataire, France

The biggest warehouse at the site generated an annual energy consumption of 1.4 GWh. Since switching to LEDs, the lights’ energy consumption is now ten times lower, saving €380,000 a year.

Upgraded air compressors in Tianjin, China

Changes to the optimized air compressor network, which include leak detectors, reduced air pressure, serviced equipment and use of alternate energy sources, will save the site €27,500 per year.

Installation of heat pumps in Angered, Sweden

Upgrades to the heating system at the site reduced the total site energy consumption by 20%, eliminated the use of oil for heating and enabled digital control and monitoring.

Sites around the world harnessing solar power

Izmir, Türkiye

Nilai, Malaysia

Guangzhou, China

Elefsis, Greece

Barcelona, Spain

Shanghai, China

Chonburi, Thailand

Mauá, Brazil

Garcia, Mexico

Energy buying and carbon footprint

On the renewable electricity side of our decarbonization roadmap, Eline brings in the procurement side of the equation.

To put it very simply, Eline is the energy buyer – of both electricity and natural gas – for all countries where AkzoNobel operates. She’s also responsible for the strategy behind how we buy, which is in turn related to our decarbonization strategy.

“Preferably we have solar panels on site and we produce our own electricity,” explains Eline. “The next best option is to buy green electricity from producers such as a windmill park on the sea or a nearby solar park, which is often a challenge due to limited availability in the current market. For the rest of the energy volume, we need to obtain renewable electricity certificates to achieve 100% of electricity coming from renewable sources.”

“Suppliers are asking for proof of renewable energy sources and increasingly see it as the norm. What I think is important to say is that it’s a collaborative effort. A pillar of our transition is to brainstorm with our partners, suppliers and customers on what we can do together and how we can break down barriers to doing things more sustainably. We cannot do these things alone.”

Motivated by people and progress

“Seeing others working on this with us gives me energy. Ultimately the energy transition starts with you, asking yourself ‘what can I do to reduce the energy I’m using,’” says Eline.

Christian adds: “Our 2030 ambition is 50% less carbon emissions in our own operations and across the value chain. Achieving this will be a major milestone that will prepare us for the next challenge: carbon neutral by 2050.”