Quebecor Energy Efficiency

Quebecor Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency means providing more services with less energy- this translates into an overall reduction in greenhouse gases (GHGs) and therefore a healthier environment. Energy efficiency is an obvious solution to a pressing problem, which is why Quebecor World is continuously searching for energy conservation opportunities; these include the implementation of efficient technologies, as well as the effective management of all energy sources (electricity, natural gas and propane).

Efficient Production
The improvement of production equipment is essential to the optimization of energy use. Quebecor World’s past efforts include a corporate–wide program which, among other things, consists of evaluating all press dryers to maximize their efficiency, as well as the installation of special software in the carbon adsorption systems at some of the gravure plants. A more recent program was initiated to replace all remaining Recuperative Thermal Oxidizers by new state of the art Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs). These RTOs use up to 95 percent less natural gas than the other more commonly used atmospheric emission control devices. Currently, more than fifty RTOs are operating across Quebecor World’s international platform. In an attempt to render operations as energy efficient as possible, a number of energy saving pilot projects are being implemented.

All of the above efforts translate into a reduction in the use of natural gas, which is the primary fuel used at Quebecor World heatset lithographic offset printing plants. By reducing natural gas consumption, Quebecor World is decreasing its consumption of fossil fuels, the single-largest contributor to global warming. In addition, Quebecor World employs best practice operating procedures to improve internal transport efficiency. For example, many of its facilities have converted to bulk ink deliveries, as opposed to ink totes. On average, more then 900 hours of tow motor time is saved by employing bulk delivery, thus reducing consumption of propane, the primary fuel for fork lifts. Quebecor World is also currently exploring a corporate wide strategy to increase lighting efficiency in its facilities, thus further reducing its energy dependence.

Demand Response Programs
Demand response programs help to reduce the demand on the grid for both electricity and natural gas, thus preventing energy shortages and maintaining the reliability of the power grid. By curtailing energy use during peak hours at 21 of Quebecor World’s facilities who participate in such programs, these facilities directly contribute to the energetic well being of the areas in which they operate.

Carbon Footprint
To better understand its role in mitigating global climate change, Quebecor World has taken the important step of estimating its global carbon footprint, thus the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted, measured in equivalent units of carbon dioxide. This is achieved using a customized GHG emission calculator, which calculates emissions of the six GHGs outlined by the Kyoto Protocol. Upon request, Quebecor World can calculate the carbon footprints related to the printed products of its customers, in order to help them better evaluate their environmental impacts.

Source: www.quebecorworld.com