IBERSOL Sustainability Report 2018

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE important measures, along with installing more efficient equipment, so that lighting is only switched on when necessary and it is adapted according to the occupation and the light outside. > Energy efficient motors Energy Efficient Motors - EEMs were installed for the extraction and exhaust systems in the Group’s stores. These motors lead to lower operating costs, as they save energy due to fewer active losses and increased power. They also have a longer life (resulting from the lower operating temperature) and are more reliable and less noisy. Despite being more expensive than conventional motors, they are an efficient option and have advantages in the long term. Also in the implementation phase is the use of (ESV) Electronic Speed Variators in the electric motors. These speed variators have many ad- vantages in terms of the starter motor’s energy consumption. Using ESVs, you can achieve a smoother start-up, a controlled reduction in the power of the motors and a better power factor. As the extraction and exhaust motors represent 60% of the driving force implemented in the group’s facilities, reducing the flow by 20% enables an effective reduction of between 20% and 50% in the elec- tricity linked to the ventilators and exhausts. > Power factor compensation - Reactive energy Due to the existing equipment, the Ibersol group’s installations are based on the effects of electromagnetic fields, as is the case of the motors, compressors of the cooling equipment, transformers and ballasts, which consume reactive energy as well as active energy. Reactive energy does not produce work, but it is necessary for equip- ment such as that indicated above to operate and causes higher in- tensity current, which means additional losses due to the Joule ef- fect throughout the electricity transport and distribution system, and is therefore penalised in each facility’s electricity bill, except those powered by Low Voltage. To avoid higher electricity bills, sets of 46