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Energy Assessment of a Tannery to Improve Its Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Josep M. Morera

    (GREiA Research Group, University of Lleida, Pere de Cabrera s/n, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Emiliano Borri

    (GREiA Research Group, University of Lleida, Pere de Cabrera s/n, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Gabriel Zsembinszki

    (GREiA Research Group, University of Lleida, Pere de Cabrera s/n, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • David Vérez

    (GREiA Research Group, University of Lleida, Pere de Cabrera s/n, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Gemma Gasa

    (GREiA Research Group, University of Lleida, Pere de Cabrera s/n, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Esther Bartolí

    (GREiA Research Group, University of Lleida, Pere de Cabrera s/n, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Luisa F. Cabeza

    (GREiA Research Group, University of Lleida, Pere de Cabrera s/n, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

Abstract

The tanning industry is one of the highly polluting sectors, and it is only in the last few years that studies on the energy improvement of tanneries started to proliferate in the literature. Even though the energy cost of a tannery is only a small fraction of the total cost, many tanners became aware of the importance of improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint to keep the business afloat and be more competitive in the market. This paper presents a study on increasing the sustainability of a tannery located in the region of Catalonia, Spain. Several measures to increase its energy efficiency and reduce its primary energy consumption were proposed and analysed including, among others, the implementation of solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels. A cost analysis of the most promising solutions was carried out and discussed. The results show that the tannery should invest between EUR 2 to 2.5 M to obtain the highest energy savings, with an estimated payback period between 5 and 7 years. However, acceptable energy savings can be obtained with a lower investment cost of between EUR 1 to 1.5 M, with a shorter payback period of between 2 and 4 years.

Suggested Citation

  • Josep M. Morera & Emiliano Borri & Gabriel Zsembinszki & David Vérez & Gemma Gasa & Esther Bartolí & Luisa F. Cabeza, 2023. "Energy Assessment of a Tannery to Improve Its Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:6:p:5599-:d:1104529
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Moktadir, Md Abdul & Ali, Syed Mithun & Jabbour, Charbel Jose Chiappetta & Paul, Ananna & Ahmed, Sobur & Sultana, Razia & Rahman, Towfique, 2019. "Key factors for energy-efficient supply chains: Implications for energy policy in emerging economies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
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