On November 13, 2024, the Asset Performance Conference, hosted by BEMAS, opened with an insightful keynote by Mark Haarman, shedding light on the critical role of Sustainable Asset Management (SAM) in achieving the ambitious climate and energy targets set by the European Union. This session set the tone for the conference, focusing on actionable insights and innovative practices for the industrial sector.
The Context: A New Era for Industry
Under the EU Green Deal, the European Union aims to cut CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and improve energy efficiency by 32.5%. As one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels, the industrial sector faces immense pressure to adapt and evolve. Mark Haarman’s keynote offered a compelling roadmap for how maintenance and asset management (MAM) can lead the charge in this transformation.
Key Insights from the Keynote
1. What is Sustainable Asset Management?
Sustainable Asset Management is an emerging discipline designed to help industrial companies balance performance with environmental responsibility. It emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing energy efficiency as integral parts of asset management strategies.
2. Findings from the MORE4Sustainability Benchmark Survey
The MORE4Sustainability project, under the Interreg NWE program, involved manufacturing companies from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. These organizations shared data on their efforts to align with sustainability goals, providing a wealth of information for creating a Roadmap for Sustainable Asset Management.
3. The Maintenance Department’s Role
Maintenance teams are at the forefront of driving energy-efficient practices and reducing emissions. By leveraging the SAM framework, they can implement targeted measures such as upgrading equipment, adopting predictive maintenance, and optimizing operations to align with sustainability goals.
4. The Power of Best Practices
Haarman illustrated the transformative potential of SAM with real-world examples. From retrofitting existing assets to implementing advanced monitoring systems, these success stories demonstrated how even small changes could yield significant results.
5. A Call to Action
Mark Haarman emphasized that the time to act is now. With the roadmap and training program developed through the MORE4Sustainability project, industries have practical tools to initiate their sustainability journey.
Why This Matters
This keynote highlighted the enormous potential of Sustainable Asset Management in bridging the gap between industrial performance and environmental sustainability. With clear targets, actionable frameworks, and inspiring case studies, Mark Haarman’s session was a rallying cry for maintenance professionals to take proactive steps towards achieving the EU’s climate and energy goals.
As the MORE4Sustainability project continues, the next phase will focus on equipping industry professionals across Europe with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to drive their organizations toward a greener, more sustainable future. Central to this effort is the development of a comprehensive training program designed to guide professionals in implementing sustainable practices effectively.