The wonders of digital production

• Digitalisation and product key saves material and energy costs
• Good example of 'just-in-time' manufacturing and customised production using digital solutions 

Schmalz, a mid-sized mechanical engineering company in southern Germany, has a simple ethos: only use and produce material that is absolutely necessary. Advances in digital technology and Industry 4.0 trends have played a critical role in achieving this ambitious goal.

Small package, big opportunity...

Expected and unexpected benefits

• An app that pays for itself within a couple of weeks
• Digital tool to map out compressed air leaks in a production hall
• Freeing up funds for more repairs

There is no such thing as a flawless airtight compressed airline. Though leakage appears to be inevitable, there are ways to optimise repairs and maintenance which can ultimately increase resource efficiency and lower production costs. 

Century-old system gets a digital makeover

The best solution to reduce water consumption for urinal flushing is to install waterless urinals. They operate using chemical-impregnated plastic pads, or a spring-loaded trap and a floating layer of oil as barrier. The best thing for the environment is to use the 'chemical-free', waterless option.

Providing free or low-cost access to green options for local mobility appeals to guests who are conscious of their carbon footprint. Options include encouraging use of local transport, bicycles and electric vehicles over land and providing kayaks, rowboats and other water-based modes of transport.

The most effective way for accommodation managers to encourage eco-efficient transport is to offer discounts to guests arriving by public transport, and to provide a pick-up service for these guests.

 Circular economy, the Green Key to being more eco-friendly

Hotel's inspiring three pillars

Water consumption in public spaces is highly variable, and depends on the services offered and the number of visitors on any given day. Installation of efficient fittings, selected through 'green' procurement processes, reduces the overall amount of water used, and the treatment and disposal costs, as well as energy consumption when heated water is limited or regulated (showers and basin taps).

The following applications can be taken into account:

Biomass heating systems can be used for space heating in buildings, hot water and production, or any combination of these. The most relevant source of biomass heat for the accommodation sector is wood, and the most efficient conversion pathway is through direct combustion, which can mean burning wood chips or pellets in boilers, or larger pieces in gasifying wood boilers.