Powering Progress with Energy Efficiency: How Norwin Industries Cut Costs and Carbon
At EkoElevate, we believe sustainability isn’t just about protecting the planet – it’s also about unlocking smart, scalable business performance. One of our most rewarding partnerships to date has been with Norwin Industries, a mid-sized producer of industrial equipment based in the south of Portugal. Like many manufacturers, Norwin faced rising energy costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing pressure from clients and regulators to reduce their carbon footprint. They knew they needed to make a change -but they weren’t sure where to start.
The Challenge: High Energy Bills, Low Transparency
When we first met the Norwin team, their facilities were running on outdated lighting, inefficient HVAC systems, and energy-hungry production lines. Monthly utility bills were unpredictable and climbing, yet there was little visibility into what was driving the spikes. Sustainability was a priority for leadership, but without actionable data or a roadmap, progress was stalled.
Our Approach: Data-Driven Energy Optimization
Our team began with a comprehensive energy audit across Norwin’s two main facilities. We installed temporary sub-meters to capture real-time data, analyzed historic utility trends, and identified inefficiencies across lighting, machinery, and HVAC systems.
From there, we developed a phased energy management plan focused on three key areas:
- LED lighting retrofit across all operational zones and offices.
- Smart HVAC upgrades with occupancy-based sensors and better controls.
- Compressed air system optimization, a hidden energy hog in many manufacturing settings.
We also helped Norwin tap into state energy incentives and apply for utility rebates, reducing upfront costs by nearly 30%.
The Results: Lower Bills, Stronger Business
Within the first year of implementation, Norwin saw:
- A 24% reduction in energy consumption
- $86,000 in annual energy savings
- A 56% decrease in carbon emissions
- Payback period of just 18 months
Perhaps more importantly, the initiative helped spark a culture shift inside the company. Employees started suggesting other efficiency ideas, and sustainability became part of the company’s operational DNA.
Looking Ahead
Norwin is now exploring on-site solar power and battery storage as part of their next phase—and we’re excited to help them get there.
As our leadership often says, “Sustainability isn’t a sacrifice—it’s a strategy.” Norwin’s story is a perfect example of how companies can become leaner, greener, and more resilient, all at once.
Want to future-proof your business? Let’s talk!
