The Royal Mint became one of the first organisations in the world to achieve certification for the International Standard for Energy Management (ISO 50001) today.
Released in June 2011, ISO 50001 is the most robust framework for optimising energy efficiency. The certification has been awarded by NQA, one of the world’s leading assessment, verification and certification bodies and was presented at a Royal Mint ceremony today.
Adam Lawrence, chief executive of the Royal Mint said: “We are very proud to be one of the first organisations globally to achieve this standard which emphasises the ongoing commitment of the Royal Mint to sustainability and world class energy management systems.”
Martin Grant, environmental manager, at Royal Mint’s factory in Llantrisant, South Wales, attended the ceremony. He told The Manufacturer that the company hope to make continual improvements in its energy performance – generating significant savings and reducing its carbon footprint, with the aim of becoming one of the most sustainable operations in the global minting industry.
Mr Grant added: “We looked at how we operate and improved the efficiency of how we work, streamlining production through pipelines. We have also worked to reduce our reject levels, which has led to great reductions in our energy usage.”
With rising energy costs resulting in increased costs to high energy manufacturers such as Royal Mint, Mr Grant said: “it is a big cost to our business, so the more we can reduce energy levels, the more we save. In terms of daily jobs – people turn off machines and equipment when it is safe and possible to do so. ”
The Royal Mint, located in Llantrisant, South Wales, earned the certification after passing a series of independent audits that covered all aspects of its energy management systems. As part of the process it was required to review and set key energy performance targets, identify opportunities for energy saving across the organisation and introduce energy considerations into any purchase of equipment.
In order to ensure the organisation is on track to meet these targets, the minting company will also be required to undertake continual energy reviews to assess current and planned use, as well as the energy sources it uses.
Max Linnemann, environmental sector manager at NQA said: “Certification to this standard defines an organisation’s commitment to continual improvement in energy management. Its successful implementation by the Royal Mint will enable the organisation to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure related legislative and regulatory requirements are met.”
