Energy audit at Saint-Gobain North Vietnam’s gypsum plant

This report records the 2021 project. Figures, practices, factory scale and proposals reflect the survey period; they do not establish the factory’s current status.

The project recorded energy consumption equivalent to 6,496 TOE for Saint-Gobain North Vietnam Building Materials Co., Ltd. in 2020. The survey, data collection and measurements described a gypsum plant with modern equipment, an integrated, closed production system and automated control. Energy efficiency had been considered during equipment selection when the factory was built.

Existing measures

• Installing variable-speed drives throughout the production motor systems.
• Using LED lamps for all factory and office lighting.

Assessment and improvement priorities

ITVC Global identified further opportunities to improve energy management and energy performance.

The original report recorded an energy-management assessment level of 73% and identified further improvement potential. This is a project management assessment result, not equipment energy-conversion efficiency.

Efficient energy use needs continuous management and review at the factory.

Proposed management actions

The proposed management measures were:

• Set annual energy-saving objectives and actions for achieving them.
• Strengthen operational housekeeping.
• Train employees and raise awareness of economical and efficient energy use.

Ongoing energy management

• Calculate and establish energy consumption indicators per product unit, work team and production stage.
• Plan further reductions in energy consumption for subsequent years.
• Set air-conditioning temperatures at 26°C (or 25°C) or above under the operating conditions considered in the project.
• Use energy-efficient electrical equipment and turn off loads after work where safe and appropriate.
• Use energy-efficient lighting in common areas and assign the security team to manage switching times.
• Limit unnecessary use of lights, fans, air conditioners and other loads during working hours.

Project photographs