As the largest assembler and distributor of personal computers and complementary ICT products in South Africa, Mustek Ltd recognised the need to apply a systematic and sustainable approach to improving and managing energy performance. Through their already existing BMS, Mustek Ltd successfully maintained certification for ISO 9001 (Quality Management) since 1997, ISO 14001 (Environmental management) since 2004 and ISO 20000 (Service Management) since 2014.
To ensure the sustainability of the BMS initiatives, Mustek Ltd approached the National Cleaner Production Centre, South Africa (NCPC-SA) and integrated EnMS 50001 through the Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) programme.
With guidance and assistance from the IEE programme, Mustek Ltd took complete ownership of the EnMS implementation process. Faith Mkhacwa, IEE Project Manager explains that the human aspect is key in the successful implementation of an EnMS project. She maintains that without total buy-in from the Mustek Ltd employees, the EnMS project would not have succeeded.
Typical to most plants, Mustek Ltd had to contend with employees that had been employed for as long as 30 years, and who as a result had become comfortable with the status quo and were not receptive to change. The first thing that needed to be done was shift the employees’ mindsets. “Who better to do that than the company itself,” Faith contends.
Mustek Ltd established a broad-based energy team with representatives from all departments, including management from Sales, Service, Warehouse and ISO, under the leadership of the Facilities Manager. The Facilities Manager had the opportunity to develop EnMS expertise through the EnMS User-level training programme, and has since achieved CEM (Certified Energy Manager) qualification. Other staff members and members of the energy team also attended EnMS training courses.
Between 2015 and 2016, Mustek Ltd (Gauteng) implemented 10 projects at a total capital investment of R147 850. The investment resulted in a monetary saving of R243 100 and an electrical energy saving of 243 150kWh, which constitutes a 15% saving. GHG emissions were reduced by 233 tonnes of CO2.
NCPC-SA
