Lightweight construction is a prime example of demonstrating the potential of resource efficiency. Resource efficiency potentials in the utilisation phase of mobile products have already been investigated frequently and are widely known. In addition, the various lightweight engineering strategies and materials also offer opportunities for increasing resource efficiency in the production phase and in recycling and disposal. Companies that produce efficiently and thereby save on material costs gain a clear competitive advantage and are less dependent on price fluctuations on the raw materials market.
Brief analysis No. 17: Resource efficiency in lightweight engineering (PDF, 1.58MB)
Electric motors and motor systems play a significant role in energy efficiency. They account for approx. 40 % of worldwide energy consumption and could contribute to a doubling of the electricity consumption by 2030 if no further saving measures are taken. Choosing a high energy efficiency class is not enough to reduce losses and consumption since the power consumption differs greatly in the usually dominating use phase in the end customer’s application (varying load profiles, speeds etc.). The associated ecological and economic effects accordingly depend on several boundary conditions. Here a life cycle perspective can support the selection of an adequately efficient electric motor or electric motor system and deliver an optimal result.
Efficient electric motors in industrial production (PDF, 1.69MB)
Remanufacturing is a central measure for increasing resource efficiency. The material and energy expenditure for the manufacture of a product and the associated costs are lowered. Through remanufacturing the original high level of value added is retained and the dependence on import of critical raw materials is reduced.
Remanufacturing as a key component of a circular economy is viewed as being the preferred option for closing material loops, particularly compared with recycling, and possesses a high resource efficiency potential.
In the manufactoring industry, material costs are cost factor no. 1. In 2011, their proportion of the total costs amounted to 45 % in Germany. Savings in this field have a significantly greater impact on the company's coffers than labor costs or the much discussed energy costs.
The reduction of energy and material consumption enables companies to reduce costs and to produce more competitively. Resource efficiency pays off. Read more about our company and resource efficiency in the brochure.
The brochure Competetive Advantage: Resource Efficiency gives an introduction into the meaning of resource efficiency and its strategic and economic advantages.
VDI-ZRE-competitive-advantage-resource-efficiency (PDF, 1.78MB)
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