How to choose sustainabile filter solutions
Sustainable doesn't mean acceptable. If we look at the real meaning of the term it refers to something that is able to last over time. What does have to last over time? Natural Resources.
Companies are prioritizing sustainability not only because it's trendy but because they need to last over time. In the past, the concept of sustainability was used only with an economic connotation. A company was sustainable if it was able to produce a good with certain cost, being able to sell it at a higher price.
Gabriele Bosco
Product Sustainability Manager EMEA
Today, being sustainable means lasting over time, generating well-being, and not worsening natural and environmental conditions. Camfil wants to play a role in this since in today's rapidly changing environmental landscape, the importance of sustainable clean air solutions cannot be overstated. However, how can you tell if a your clean air solution is sustainable?
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of sustainability, and clean air solutions should be no exception. With air filters for HVAC systems we are lucky that Eurovent 4/21 gives a transparent view of the energy consumption of each filter.
With other filter types there is not a recognised standard for energy consumption but the good news is that the same principal that is used for HVAC filters can be used for most clean air solutions. This is that the lower and more stable the pressure drop is, the less energy the product will consume, resulting in lower environmental impact and cost savings over time.
Opt for air filters known for their durability and long lifespan. When investing in a clean air solution – Whether it’s an air filter for a HVAC system, Industrial Dust extraction equipment or Molecular contamination control systems, it's crucial to consider its longevity and durability.
A longer-lasting filter reduces the frequency of replacements, resulting in less waste generation and resource consumption in the long run, and minimizing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal.
Our focus is the Change Less, Gain more concept. Designing a clean air solution that will mean less changeouts will help save in many aspects from replacement costs, wastage costs, transport costs and even labour costs.
Pay attention to the packaging of the air filters. Look for filters that are packaged using minimal or eco-friendly materials, such as recycled cardboard.
In Camfil we obtained a 13% reduction in CO2 emissions per box equalling 50 tonnes CO2 reduction yearly, switching from previous white boxes to unbleached brown boxes for bag filters. Choosing products with eco-conscious packaging reduces waste and environmental pollution.
Consider the specific air quality concerns in your locality when selecting an air filter.
Different areas may have varying levels of particulate Matter in the air, so choose a selection of filters that is able to deal with PM concentration for your region and for the indoor Air Quality level you want to reach. UNI EN 16798-3 is the best tool to help you with this choice.
The evaluation of individual material characteristics might not be enough for designing a filter. Environmental Product Declarations provide transparent and standardized information, based on life cycle assessment (LCA), about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle. Product’s footprint can be analyzed from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal, taking into account factors such as resource consumption, emissions, and waste generation. By examining EPDs, consumers can make informed decisions and choose products that align with their sustainability goals.
At Camfil we have started our journey with having EPDs available for our products. This allows us to provide transparency to our customers and real data to allow them understand how our products have an impact on their building.
Choose a supplier who can be really transparent and share its EPDs.
Choose companies that are committed to upholding environmental responsibility as a real value, and prioritize it throughout their supply chain, manufacturing processes, and product development. Camfil Sustainability Report shares highlights of our sustainability dedication around the important areas of Environmental, Social, and Economical responsibility which is embedded in our business processes across our company.
In addition to selecting sustainable hardware solutions, leveraging performance-proving software can further enhance the effectiveness of clean air initiatives. Advanced simulation tools and modeling software allow users to predict and optimize the performance of clean air solutions before implementation. By simulating various scenarios and adjusting parameters such as airflow rates, filtration efficiency, and pollutant concentrations, users can identify the most effective and efficient configuration for their specific needs.
At Camfil we have inhouse software that allows us to really provide our customers with the best solution for their requirement. All our tools have been populated with 60 years of clean air experience to ensure that the information provided is the most accurate and relevant on the market
For HVAC system – LCC 2.0
For Controlled Environments – CREO
For Molecular Contaminants – MCCLD
Ireland