Your company can save both money and CO₂ through energy optimizations. Even small changes can make a big difference. This guide gives you a quick overview of how to get started – whether you run a small shop or a larger manufacturing business.
Save Energy, Create Value
Energy savings improve both your company’s profitability and sustainability.
By reducing energy consumption, you cut operating costs and actively contribute to the green transition. A green profile can further enhance your company’s image and help attract both new employees and investors.
Three companies that have done it:
Where to begin?
Energy savings are often a matter of plain common sense.
Switch off machines and lights when not in use, make use of excess heat, and choose energy-efficient solutions.
Where the biggest potential lies naturally depends on your company’s operations and needs.
Five areas with major reduction potential – Including concrete, local examples of savings and payback time:
LED lighting
Switching to LED lighting is a simple yet effective way for businesses to save money and reduce their climate footprint. LEDs consume significantly less electricity than traditional lighting and also last much longer.
Example: Installation of LED lighting in a production hall
Investment: DKK 70,000
Annual electricity savings: DKK 35,000
Payback time: 2 years
Process extraction
Is the process extraction running all the time—even when the machines are idle?
By only extracting air from the machines that are actually in operation, the company can achieve significant energy savings.
Example: Automatic dampers on process extraction
Investment: DKK 40,000
Annual savings: DKK 186,000
Payback time: Less than one quarter
Heat recovery
Is the warm air from process extraction or ventilation simply being released outdoors?
If so, there is often great potential in installing a heat recovery system—a solution that saves both energy and money.
Example: Investment in a heat recovery system
Investment: DKK 470,000
Annual gas savings: DKK 360,000
Payback time: 1.3 years
Compressed air systems
Is your company’s compressed air system regularly checked for leaks?
In many production facilities, 5–10% of the total energy consumption for compressed air can be saved by just one annual inspection and sealing of leaks.
Example: Leak inspection and sealing of compressed air system
Investment: DKK 35,000
Annual savings: DKK 165,000
Payback time: Less than one quarter
Standby consumption
Standby power costs money—even when production is halted.
By systematically reviewing and reducing standby consumption outside working hours (nights and weekends), significant savings can be achieved.
A simple measure, such as installing timers on machines so they are only powered up in time for production start, can make a big difference.
Result:
Companies can typically achieve around 5 % savings on their total electricity bill by actively minimizing unnecessary standby consumption.
Map your energy consumption
Do you want a complete overview of how much energy your company uses—annually, monthly, or daily—and which installations consume what? Then it’s a great idea to have a full energy screening done by an energy consultant.
With this screening, you’ll identify the biggest potential savings, so you know which green investments will create the most value for your company.
You can find an energy consultant by searching online.
If you have any questions on how to get started, you can contact Søren from ProjectZero at +45 31 56 49 09 or srd@projectzero.dk
Want an overview of your company’s CO₂ footprint?
Energy savings and CO₂ reductions typically go hand in hand – and if you want a complete overview of your company’s CO₂ emissions, there are tools available to help:
Klimakompasset is a digital tool from the Danish Energy Agency that helps your company map CO₂ emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3. It also provides insight into how much your company can reduce its climate impact through concrete measures.
Klimaklar is a digital platform made by Danish Industry that guides manufacturing companies in calculating their CO₂ footprint, setting reduction targets, and communicating their climate efforts effectively.
The Business Fund
The Business Fund – Erhvervspuljen in Danish – is a grant scheme for Danish companies that can apply for support for projects that save energy and reduce CO₂ emissions.
The fund runs until 2029 and applications are accepted year-round from small, medium, and large companies alike.
Contact SparEnergi if you have questions about the Business Fund at:
erhvervstilskud@ens.dk
+45 51 67 43 01
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Replacing oil and gas boilers with district heating
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Switching to LED lighting
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Installing heat recovery systems to reuse excess heat
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Replacing company vehicles with electric models
What can you apply for funding for?
Through the Business Fund, your company can apply for grants for green projects such as:
Funding is not available for solar panels.
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Small companies can receive up to 50% in funding
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Medium-sized companies up to 40%
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Large companies up to 30%
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DKK 0.10 per kWh saved
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or DKK 500 per ton of CO₂ saved
How much funding can my company receive?
Companies can receive grants ranging from a minimum of DKK 10,000 up to a maximum of DKK 112 million.
The support rate depends on the size of the company:
The grant is calculated based on either: