Posted: Friday, November 20, 2009 10:00 am

Energy efficiency in Denmark has been created by a range of new technologies, and today, this can serve as an example of how one can create a high level of growth without a corresponding increase in greenhouse gas emissions. A top placement among the world’s most energy-efficient and climate-friendly economies has been achieved despite the fact that Denmark does not have any hydroelectric power resources worth mentioning, nor the large forest areas that typically form the basis for a large part of a country’s production of renewable energy. Neither does Denmark use nuclear power, which is a large source of CO2-free energy in other countries in the same group. Energy efficiency in Denmark has been created by a range of new technologies and solutions, and this can today serve as an example of how one can create a high level of growth without a corresponding increase in energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions according to Ministry of Climate and Energy of Denmark.

The means to achieve this has partly been a strong political focus on energy policy. Denmark was one of the first countries to set out detailed plans for developing the energy sector back in the 1970s. Added to this has been the strong commitment of the Danish business sector to developing – and using – energy-efficient solutions.

The windmill industry is the best-known example of this, but there is much more.

A common-sense approach to energy-efficient measures such as insulating houses, saving water and electricity - recycling and cost savings in production has gone hand in hand with high-tech solutions for the whole society.

The last factor is the strong focus on energy saving and a secure energy supply, which has been the case since the oil crises in the 1970s. In 1985 the Danish parliament (Folketinget) rejected nuclear power and opted to focus on new, sustainable sources of energy. Denmark in 2009 is in many ways a dynamic, working laboratory for the meeting of new energy technologies and old common sense in its relationship with nature.

A good example of the Danish way of approaching the climate challenges is the tap manufacturer VOLA A/S. The company produces its taps in Denmark using a perfect mixture of the most modern engineering technology and old Scandinavian craftsmanship. Conscious use of natural resources such as energy saving is one its goals according to its ISO 14001 environmental management system.

Managing Director Carsten Overgaard explains that VOLA has decided to reduce the consumption of electricity in its factory in 2010 by 8% compared to 2008 - and in 2011 by 15%, which corresponds to a CO2 reduction of 130 t. VOLA recycles all the brass and stainless steel used in the factory.



Furthermore the company has committed itself to reduce the scrap percentage by 30% by a conscious use of natural resources and introduction of more efficient production methods.

The high level of education in Denmark makes it possible for us to involve all our employees in a continuous improvement of our processes and in finding smart solutions. Furthermore we are working very closely together with our sub suppliers to reduce i.e. transport time and packaging material.

However, the most important factor that contributes to a conscious use of natural resources is the fact that we produce a timeless design in the highest quality which last for generations, so Carsten Overgaard.

Facts about VOLA:

*The first VOLA tap was designed in 1968 by Arne Jacobsen

 *All VOLA taps are produced in Denmark

 *VOLA has the green certificate ISO 14001 and ISO18001 (work environment)

 *Within 2009 all brass of VOLA taps that is in connection with drinking water will be lead-free according to the new Californian Health and Safety Code AB1953 to be adopted as from January 1st 2010.

 *With flow regulators VOLA can configure the water consumption individually in each room in order to save water, save money and save the environment 

Please see flow calculator on our website www.vola.com.