Green light for smart energy saving

We are not only committed to long-term, efficient solutions in transport and warehouse logistics, but also in areas that receive less public attention – in our properties, for example. Our buildings play a major role in sustainability. Our efforts to improve building efficiency not only contribute to environmental protection, but also increase our profitability. Our most recent actions in Härkingen in the canton of Solothurn and Pratteln in the canton of Basel are a prime example of this.

Lucrative bright spots

At our major consumer site in Härkingen, with its annual energy consumption of over 500 megawatt hours, we have replaced 3,735 conventional fluorescent tubes with LED lamps. This has reduced our total electricity consumption at this site by 33%. This represents a saving in annual CO₂ emissions of 194,100 kg of CO₂ per year, which is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of five lorries. Changing the lighting in Härkingen is also significant in view of the current pressure on energy prices and rising electricity costs.

We have achieved another building efficiency milestone at our Pratteln site. Last year, the lighting in several parking areas was replaced by more efficient LED lamps. Our in-house team of electricians installed the 250 new, intelligent lights. This lighting now provides a high level of comfort with a maximum energy saving of 25 megawatt hours per year, which corresponds to the electricity consumption of five households. 

In light of sustainability

When changing the lighting in Härkingen, we relied on durable LED tubes of exceptional quality with an impressive overall economic and ecological footprint for professional use. These lamps are 90% recyclable and differ from other disposable lights in that they are recycled and reused as raw materials. This makes them ideal for companies like Planzer that are also committed to the principles of the circular economy. The new tubes require a third less energy compared to conventional fluorescent tubes. Their emissions outperformed those of a 58 W fluorescent tube after just 15 days.

In Pratteln, we focussed on the efficient use of lighting. Every lamp was therefore fitted with sensors and control elements, allowing the light to be individually adjusted to actual demand. When movement is detected, the sensors in the parking area automatically increase the intensity of the ambient lighting to 100%. This smart control not only detects movements, but also calculates their direction.

Keeping an eye on the big picture

Sustainability is all about perseverance and specific actions, not perfection. Every step counts – both big and small. As a family company, we are inherently committed to the appropriate use of energy resources and highly sustainable solutions in our day-to-day operations and in all areas of our business. This energy efficiency action is part of our building efficiency programme. Because for once, we don’t want to hide our light under a bushel in terms of this topic.