World Energy Efficiency Day

The origin of this day came about in 1998 when, at an international conference held in Austria, a day was created to celebrate the conscious use and disseminate the importance of being responsible when it comes to using the energy that the planet provides us with. The conference discussed how to expand energy diversification through other types of energy, such as renewables, and to try to reduce the use of fossil fuels.  

The 2023 theme for this World Energy Day is "Energy Efficiency - Further, Faster", seeking to emphasise the need to accelerate action to achieve efficient energy use in the nearest possible future. One of its objectives is to inspire individuals, businesses and governments to take action to reduce resource waste.  

According to the International Energy Agency, through the implementation of strategies implemented since 2000, an 11% reduction in global energy consumption has been achieved. By 2040, it is projected that renewable energy could reduce the use of fossil fuels by 70%.  

Efficiency is defined as improving the quality of life without compromising the resources and energy needed for daily life. The objective is the optimisation of this energy and the use of those that are much more sustainable, such as renewable resources or promoting the practice of recycling, among others. Efficiency, apart from being good for the environment, is also good for the economy, as it reduces costs and increases profitability.  

Businesses have a key role to play in promoting energy efficiency. It is not only important that the final product or service consists of rational energy use, but the processes upstream of the final result are the most important in terms of resource use. It is also vitally important to educate consumers to choose the most sustainable option. In this way, we share with you some of the actions carried out in BusPlana to contribute to the rational use of energy:  

• We are committed to continually renewing our fleet in order to achieve the most demanding and efficient environmental certifications. For this reason, we are investing in buses with Euro6'e' environmental certification, in addition to the recent acquisition of the Irizar Efficient i6S model. This model is designed and manufactured for better environmental efficiency, reducing emissions by up to 13%. Likewise, the aerodynamic coefficient is 30% lower and it weighs around 950kg, offering maximum efficiency and becoming a state-of-the-art vehicle.    

• Implementation of an energy management system. This allows us to measure and analyse data to adjust energy consumption.   

• Improved lighting. We have installed LED bulbs for lighting, reducing energy consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional lighting. This, together with other actions, has resulted in a significant 6% decrease in electricity consumption across the bases, despite an increase in activity of almost 35%.  

• Installation of motion sensors in the common areas, keeping the lights off when no one is passing through.  

• Simply switching off machinery and work equipment once the day is over significantly reduces energy consumption. Also, when renewing equipment, the most energy-efficient equipment is always taken into account.   

• Reduction in the use of paper and plastic. As an alternative, digital media are used to reduce the use of these.   

• Raising awareness among the BusPlana team to promote energy efficiency, providing information and tools to help them reduce their consumption.   

• Temperature control, adjusting it in winter and summer, taking into account the comfort of employees.   

• Monitoring control of water, electricity and diesel consumption in order to manage the individual expenditure of each vehicle. This year we managed to reduce water consumption by 30% at the Calafell and Tarragona bases.  

• Control and management of waste and subsequent recycling by authorised waste management centres.   

• Reuse of technical materials and vehicles in accordance with established quality control. Thanks to an increase in workshop activity, the number of buses that have been decommissioned has been reduced and the maintenance of existing buses has been much more efficient, reusing more batteries, using less paint and generating less waste, among other things.  

• The environmental impact per kilometre travelled has been improved compared to 2021, achieving a decrease of almost 5%.   

• Annual planning and implementation of goals for continuous environmental improvement. This year, for example, two priority objectives that have been met have been the minimisation of vehicle journeys through better planning and improving the reuse of all types of materials.  

The future of this planet is at an unprecedented point of uncertainty. It is our responsibility to take care of the resources we have today so that they can continue to be used tomorrow. That is why the actions and changes we take today will play a fundamental role in conserving the planet's resources. Don't forget to adopt some of the measures we have mentioned or to implement new ones in your daily life.  

Join in and be part of the change! Help us take care of our planet Earth so that we can continue to celebrate World Earth Day for many, many years to come.