Climate change is not some future state — it’s here today, and the scientific predictions are increasingly dire. The latest findings from the United Nations call for “climate action on all fronts — everything, everywhere, all at once.” And for the first time, it’s more than 50% likely we will surpass 1.5° C of warming, potentially within a few years.

To address this crisis and mitigate its impacts, all industrial sectors will need to make changes to their operations. But those changes don’t have to damage production or profitability. Forward-thinking organizations will seize the opportunity to simultaneously reduce costs and protect the planet.

Parmacotto, a leading meat producer located in Italy’s famed food heartland, the region of Parma, is how a well-rounded, 360° approach to sustainability can improve savings, operations and the environment. In partnership with Enel X Global Retail, a global leader in energy management solutions, Parmacotto is leading the way in sustainable industrial operations.

The shift to renewable energy

With multiple plants in the Parma area, Parmacotto saw the opportunity to make meaningful changes to its energy sources. The company has partnered with Enel X Global Retail, which is installing photovoltaic (PV) panels at two Parmacotto locations to provide renewable energy to the plants. The first will have a 972-kilowatt peak (kWp) capacity, preventing 10,000 tons of carbon emissions over 10 years. The second will have a capacity of 342 kWp, saving another 4,500 tons of emissions over 10 years.

“Generating renewable energy from solar, of course, means producing clean energy,” says Emanuele Ranieri, head of global B2B at Enel X Global Retail. “But not only that — these projects are also helping companies reach energy independence.” With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, accessing freely available and independent energy sources protects industries against price shocks or supply issues while also contributing to emissions reductions.

Improving energy efficiency

Beyond generating clean energy, industrial plants can also be made more efficient in their energy usage so they consume less energy over time. Parmacotto, for example, has a “re-lamping” project to replace facility lighting with energy-efficient LEDs. This project is being implemented at three Parmacotto locations, and it will reduce energy consumption from 395 to 150 megawatt hours (MWh) per year — a 62% savings.

Other plant operations present opportunities for greater efficiency, including temperature-controlled equipment. Parmacotto is adding smart controls to refrigeration equipment at its San Vitale Baganza location to optimize the compressor. This innovation is estimated to save about 383 MWh each year and cut energy usage at the site by 15%. “Improving the efficiency of equipment and using devices such as smart meters to track consumption are tangible steps that industries can take to immediately save on energy costs,” Ranieri says.

These energy-saving measures show that key processes in food production, such as keeping perishables cool, are achievable with better tools and operational approaches. The results are good for both the business and the environment.

Joining with others for maximum impact

If climate change shows us anything, it’s that coordinated action is required to solve a truly global problem. Industries don’t need to tackle this issue in isolation — by working together and leveraging the best innovations across sectors, companies can shorten the learning curve and make significant cuts to emissions.

As a starting point, industries can look to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which provides companies with a clearly defined pathway to emissions reduction. Parmacotto recently joined SBTi so that the company can take concrete steps to avert catastrophic warming and also gain a competitive advantage in a low-carbon economy.

Likewise, Enel has had its decarbonization plan validated by SBTi, and this process has helped the company to define its goals and bring forward its net-zero commitments by 10 years. Collaborating with companies like Parmacotto and supporting the decarbonization and electrification of the food industry is a win-win scenario that helps Enel achieve its pledges while sharing critical knowledge and technologies across sectors.

Operations for a better tomorrow

Combatting climate change will take concerted efforts and coordinated action from every part of the economy. The world can’t reduce emissions unless industries decarbonize, and sectors can only achieve this by working together to leverage the latest technologies.

As partnerships such as Parmacotto and Enel X Global Retail’s demonstrate, coordinated efforts can have immediate benefits for businesses and the environment by reducing energy costs and ensuring consistent supplies. With greater plant efficiency plus renewable energy sources, companies can make the most of what nature offers while also improving their bottom line.

To learn more, see how Enel X Global Retail provides energy efficiency solutions for industrial customers.