Whole life cycle thinking is the modern way

Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness have always been the cornerstones of Norpe. Both of these factors have improved over time. Until a few decades ago the focus was exclusively on R&D, but nowadays we study the entire life cycle of a product. Life cycle cost (LCC) refers to the costs of a product over its entire life cycle, while life cycle assessment (LCA) denotes a comprehensive evaluation of the life cycle.

Norpe technology director Dick Nordström explains that there are two ways to look at a life cycle: “You can view the life cycle of an appliance either in financial terms or according to environmental impact. Norpe studies the impacts of its appliances during their life cycle both on the environment and on energy consumption, applying the findings comprehensively.”

Nordström explains that the Norpe life cycle concept chain begins in R&D, where the selected raw materials and components have a major impact. The next stage is production, followed by sales and associated appliance user guidance. Ultimately the recycling stage is reached. The greatest energy consumption is during use of the appliance. Customers can have a positive effect on this consumption by filling the appliance in accordance with the user guidelines, complying with load limits, and cleaning and servicing the appliance regularly. The temperature and humidity of the shop also affect energy consumption.

The life cycle impacts of the actual appliance divide into the direct energy consumption of the refrigeration unit and the appliance itself. Natural refrigerants are displacing synthetic materials. Natural refrigerants reduce environmental impacts and the carbon footprint of the enterprise. They also broaden the range of energy-saving options.

“Such features as LED lights, energy-saving fans, various control systems and covers for freezer chests affect the energy consumption of appliances and accordingly reduce the energy used by the refrigeration unit,” Nordström observes.