Energy and Water Consumption Reductions in a Pharmaceutical Company in Brazil

Econoler and Grupo SAGE provided technical support to International Finance Corporation (IFC) and União Química, a Brazilian pharmaceutical company, to identify energy and water efficiency opportunities and support the staff of two plants in the implementation of identified options. The assignment required energy audits in both plants located in the state of Sao Paulo.

Under the mandate, Econoler carried out the following tasks:

• Conduct a baseline analysis through a review of energy bills and onsite data collected during energy audits;
• Deliver two onsite one-hour workshops in both plants to +30 staff on the following topics: Energy efficiency, energy diagnostics, measurement and verification, and prioritizing energy efficiency measures;
• Conduct a complete diagnostic on water and energy consumption, including the fuel/steam and electricity used in production processes;
• Report on an energy efficiency assessment for each plant, including energy and water savings, investment costs, a recommended time-bound action plan for the implementation of identified and prioritized interventions to upscale energy and water efficiency and boost cost competitiveness. Interventions included the implementation of an energy management system, improvements on chilled water, steam, and compressed air systems, and lighting replacements, among others;
• Present the results of the energy efficiency assessment to each plant staff so they can take informed decisions regarding the implementation of energy and water efficiency interventions.

Econoler contributed to assisting União Química and the pharmaceutical sector in improving their sustainable decarbonization strategy to meet public and corporate sustainability commitments.