Using a benchmarking approach to improve energy efficiency in fruit packhouses and cold stores

The study emphasized the value of good energy management practices in the fruit supply chain and that a benchmarking system is a good tool to use as starting point for energy efficiency improvement in the fruit industry. It was further shown that there is a need to identify the main reasons for differences in energy consumption and use this as a basis for creating a set of guidelines for good energy practice. Results showed that there are surprisingly large differences in energy cost and consumption between facilities. In these variances lie the opportunities for improved energy efficiency. The analysis of consumption has created a comparable measure to serve as a baseline for future improvement, and the quantitative results provide a means of setting targets and developing improvement action plans. Cold storage was found to be the most energy intensive process and also showed the greatest potential for energy efficiency improvement in the short to medium term. Energy efficiency improvements lie primarily in the management practices applied and the control of major refrigeration units like compressors, condensers and fans.