46 ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
“ Technology transforms industries . The age-old craft of plumbing should prepare to experience the biggest opportunity in its history ,” states Crow . “ The constantly reducing cost of sustainable PV energy combined with scalable connected solutions has created the perfect opportunity to make water heating sustainable and accessible .”
When looking at the international website of Electrolux , the mind boggles at the sheer size of the task they have set themselves , 2020 – 2030 with nine promises , a roadmap for each , the case for action for each , the approach , and the progress . This goes far beyond just a couple of words on a site , but the process followed and the progress . That is called “ having the courage of one ’ s convictions .”
“ The overall Roadmap 2020 – 2030
• Be a leader in product efficiency for key product categories and markets by 2030 .
• Continue to develop products with good environmental performance with focus on energy and water efficiency .
• Continue to lead the markets for efficient products through awareness raising consumer campaigns and by integrating sustainability into the Group ’ s brands .
The approach to the promise addresses several circular product and business solutions :
Overall material choices – choose more sustainable materials that are based on recycled or renewable raw materials and can more easily be recycled . Recycled material – we will continue to replace virgin steel and plastics with recycled materials in our products . Spare parts and service , durability , and refurbishment – we will broaden our offering of spare parts and servicing , to enable our products to be more easily repaired and extend their useful lifespan . New Business Models – we will continue to develop innovative business models that promote circularity by making better use of resources . Sustainable packaging – we will continue to develop solutions to replace non-recyclable packaging with recycled and renewable alternatives , and which are also recyclable . Product take back – we will work to find ways to improve product recycling with a special focus on regions where there is no legally mandated product take back . Design for repair and recycling – we will design products that can be more easily repaired and recycled .”
Murray noted that in 2020 a 112kW solar PV system was installed on the admin building at Electrolux South Africa ’ s Benoni headquarters . “ The project reduces carbon production by just under 100 tonnes per annum . We are also in the process of installing a second solar PV system , which is due to be commissioned in November this year and will more than double our sustainable energy capacity . The combined impact of these systems will be a reduction in our carbon footprint of 2 000 tonnes over the next decade .
The key driver for these projects is alignment of the South African company with Electrolux Global Environmental commitments . An additional benefit is a meaningful reduction in energy cost .”
From left : Marco Costalonga ( Head of sales & PL Appliances South Africa ), Nicolene Villiers ( HRBP South Africa ), Mark Moyce ( Marketing & Sales Director Kwikot ), Murray Crow ( Managing Director ), Hennie Potgieter ( CFO ), Hendrik Malan ( Head of Manufacturing Operations ), Tinus Heywood ( Head of Logistics & Site Operations ), Michelle McGowan ( Head of Marketing ).
As Kwikot is the newest member of the Electrolux team we look at its committed short- and medium-term objectives . Coal-fired electric hot water storage heaters ( geysers ) have been the mainstay of the company with the primary route to market being the plumbing supply networks with installation by the plumber . Alignment with Electrolux ’ s global environmental policy has led to an impressive sustainability programme in South Africa ,
A key contributor to the achievement of its environmental goals is an exclusive partnership between Electrolux and Power Optimal , a leading sustainable energy development and commercialisation company . The partnership continues to bring cost-effective , sustainable solar photovoltaic ( PV ) water heating solutions to the South African market .
The Electrolux Elon range of solar PV water heating solutions will be sold combined with the Superline hot water storage heater range . The introduction of the Electrolux E Range delivers turnkey solutions to the market and in addition , allows solar capability to be added to most electric geysers without the need for an inverter or battery .
Thus , the traditional geyser has a new lease on life by transforming from an energy guzzler and carbon generator of the residential
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline November 2021 Volume 27 I Number 9