CREWE SETS NEW BENCHMARK IN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Bentley Motors’ headquarters in Crewe is the first plant in the UK automotive industry – and one of the first companies anywhere - to achieve the new energy management standard, ISO 50001. The accreditation recognises the company’s continuous improvement in energy efficiency, reflecting the long-term commitment of Bentley to reduce its overall environmental impact.

The award of the new ISO 50001 benchmark – which has only been in existence for a few months – was the result of a complex audit carried out by independentcertification and verification authority, Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA). To achieve the new global standard, Bentley had to demonstrate improved energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption leading to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy costs, and other related environmental impacts.

A significant proportion of the £1billion invested in the historic Pyms Lane site since the purchase by Volkswagen in 1998 has been devoted to environmental improvements. Even though car production increased ten-fold between 2002 and 2007, there has been no commensurate increase in environmental impact.

A series of initiatives have been undertaken including improved heating and lighting, better controlled boiler and compressed air systems, greater insulation and more efficient variable speed drives. The results have been significant. Between 2000 and 2010 the energy used on site for each car produced was reduced by two thirds, and by 14% for the overall site. This has delivered savings of 230GWh of energy – enough to power 11,500 houses for a year.

In other areas, Bentley is also reducing the impact of its plant on the environment. The Company’s waste recovery and recycling strategy is currently achieving a recycling rate of 77%, quickly approaching Bentley’s target of 80% recycling. Water usage is also being reduced. A major part of our body coating process, water usage has been halved over the past decade with plans to improve this performance still further.

Speaking about the certification, Michael Straughan, Member of the Board for Manufacturing, said:

“Achieving ISO 50001 is a tremendous achievement. We are extremely proud to be the first UK automotive plant to achieve this distinction which is even more remarkable given the age of so many of our buildings. It is a tribute to the efforts of everyone here in looking for new and innovative ways to improve the energy performance of our facilities and I know this commitment will continue.

“Bentley’s commitment to improved environmental performance goes beyond the factory itself. In 2008 we announced an environmental strategy for our products which is delivering a fleet reduction in CO2 of over 15% in four years and the introduction of a new powertrain which, by itself, improves fuel economy by 40%. Added to this is a production volume 90% of which is compatible with sustainable biofuels. We are determined that Bentley should be the leader of the high luxury automotive sector in terms of environmental performance.”

The award comes at the same time as a separate re-certification of environmental management to ISO 14001. Bentley was the first UK automotive plant to achieve that benchmark in 1999 so it is again setting the standard for the UK industry with this latest award.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Bentley Motors is the third largest R&D investor in the UK's automotive sector and the 18th largest nationally. The company employs almost 4,000 people in Crewe which is home to all its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury vehicle manufacturers such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley exports over £500m worth of goods every year to established markets like the US, as well as emerging markets such as China and South America.
   
2. Bentley’s global sales to September 2011 increased by 30% on the same period last year with 4759 cars delivered to customers. The surge in sales has been driven by demand for Bentley's newly launched Continental GT – which is now available in all markets and accounts for just under half of all sales. The popularity of the brand in China continues to increase, with sales up 84% and passing the 1000 mark for the first time ever. However, every major market saw growth with the Americas up 33% and Europe up 34%, led by resurgent sales in Germany which have increased by over half. With the imminent arrival of the new Continental GTC, Bentley expects to increase its overall sales by around 40% in 2011.
   
3. Bentley’s historic Crewe plant dates back to 1938 when it was constructed to build the famous Merlin aeroplane engines for the RAF during the Second World War. Switching to car production from 1946, Crewe has continued to produce some of the world’s finest motor cars. The takeover of the Company by Volkswagen in 1998 saw a period of sustained investment both in new products and facilities, bringing the famous plant up to the standards of 21stcentury motor manufacturing.

Quelle: Bentley