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RUF production now 100% carbon neutral

Less environmental impact thanks to this machine builder’s briquetting presses and own PV installations

Sustainability is embedded in RUF’s corporate DNA. Since the very outset, RUF briquetting presses have been transforming residuals into invaluable secondary resources or carbon-neutral heating fuels. In addition, following a great many measures, the Zaisertshofen SME now runs production facilities that are 100% carbon neutral.

Even the RUF products, its briquetting presses, promote the protection of the environment. These systems compress particulate production residuals of metal, paper, etc., into compact blocks that are generally suitable as secondary resources. And wood chips into briquettes for carbon neutral heating.

With the intention of presenting the whole company as a model of carbon neutrality, the board has implemented a comprehensive package of measures over the last decade. RUF Managing Director Roland Ruf is proud of the outcome: “Our production is 100% carbon neutral.” Presumably this has also been true for a number of years. Yet RUF obviously prioritised the implementation of its measures. Not until afterwards, in 2021, did it start calculating the exact balance.

As far back as 2009 the go ahead was given to utilise all roof surfaces for the generation of photovoltaic electricity. Since then, 10,732 square metres have been fitted with 7320 photovoltaic modules delivering 1692.4 kWp. Served by 115 inverters, these generate the lion’s share of

electricity consumed at RUF, and in 2021 saved more than 600 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Thanks to an integrated battery bank of 307 kWh capacity, the generated power can be used directly to the greatest possible extent. And in conjunction with the company’s own CHP plant fuelled with vegetable oil, RUF produces more green electricity and heat than it consumes itself.

At the same time it was developing its green power and heat generation, the company also introduced many internal measures to reduce its energy consumption. This means that RUF is now carbon neutral, and in addition extracts from the atmosphere every year a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of 400 tonnes. The implemented projects include, for instance, a low-energy ventilation system in the paintshop, for annual savings of about 60 MWh and 32 t of CO2 emissions. Yet also the numerous minor projects, when taken together, are proving highly effective. For example, the conversion to LED lighting in the production halls, for annual CO2 savings of a good 8 t.

Yet RUF is not only keeping a watchful eye on its own carbon neutrality, it is also continuing to refine the energy efficiency of its briquetting systems. One of its successes is its new RUF 1200, which draws 25% less power than its predecessor, but with a 7% greater capacity of 1090 kg/h.

 

Photovoltaic installation at RUF: The company’s head office in Zaisertshofen has fitted 10,732 square metres with 7320 photovoltaic modules delivering 1692.4 kWp.
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Sustainability on all sides: Briquettes produced on RUF systems lessen environmental impact. The company’s production facilities in Zaisertshofen are 100% carbon neutral.
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