Award acknowledges Bridgestone’s energy efficiency efforts

Bridgestone’s Rome-based Technical Center Europe (TCE) has won the Italian “E.ON Energia Award” for distinguishing itself in energy efficiency during 2012. The award, first given by the power and gas company last year, was received by Gianni Lampazzi, director of Tyre Development Operations on 29 November 2012 at the “Sette Green Awards” event held at the Triennale Design Museum in Milan.

In line with the tyre maker’s policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improving energy efficiency, in 2010 the TCE began implementing an energy management system for its production processes. This system improves process efficiency through the systematic planning of activities aimed at reducing consumption, in order to achieve precise energy efficiency targets. The system is currently certified by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance according to international standard ISO 50001:2011, and the TCE is one of the first Italian companies to have obtained this certification. To initiate the improvement programmes, TCE carried out an audit on the efficiency of the plants and began monitoring consumption in detail. Most of the efforts have been concentrated on reducing electricity and methane consumption without affecting productivity.

The TCE serves as the cornerstone of all research activities carried out by Bridgestone in Europe during the phases of tyre design, material procurement, prototype production and advanced testing. Its initiative is linked to Bridgestone’s long-term goal of achieving a 50 per cent reduction in its CO2 emissions by 2050, and to meet this target the Japanese company has adapted its activities according to the forecasts of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and international scholars. Bridgestone has also set itself two medium-term targets for 2020: a 35 per cent cut in total CO2 emissions, and a 25 per cent improvement in the rolling resistance of its tyres.

“This award represents a further recognition of Bridgestone’s contribution to sustainable development and a healthy society. These are fundamental values for the Group, which are reflected in our support for CSR activities and in the development of our products,” stated Lampazzi.