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Energy efficiency

Maximise your efficiency with our expert design and proven know-how

In a world facing rising energy demands, SMC understands the global challenges at hand.

Therefore, we’re dedicated to helping your business move toward a more sustainable future. Through our innovative, energy-efficient products and solutions, we’ll help you cut energy costs while making a positive impact on the environment.


Make informed energy decisions for your business by discovering our 5 steps of energy efficiency.

 

Discover how SMC is shaping a more sustainable future

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Are you keen on a technical approach to Energy efficiency?

Download our Expert Report and discover more in-depth why pressure is growing on all industrial businesses to meet European targets and adhere to legislation. Learn where you can find help and how to take advantage of new technology and initiatives to become more competitive.

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Reduce costs and enhance energy efficiency by switching to 4-bar pressure with SMC

 

Who has not dreamed of leading their industry while boosting energy efficiency and cutting costs?

We’re here to support and encourage you in lowering the pressure in your production processes.

You will be amazed at how much you can save by making the switch to 4 bar.

 

Reduce costs and enhance energy efficiency by switching to 4-bar pressure with SMC

Get valuable insights into energy optimisation through SMC’s 5 key strategies.

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    Generate

  • Energy-efficiency-Recover.svg

    Recover

  • Energy-efficiency-Monitor.svg

    Monitor

  • Energy-efficiency-Use.svg

    Use

  • Energy-efficiency-Think.svg

    Think

Generate

 

In manufacturing, you wouldn’t use raw materials without a precise plan—you calculate exactly what’s needed to avoid waste.


However, this same precision is rarely applied when it comes to managing energy consumption.

Generating only the energy you actually needneed is the first step toward an energy-efficient operation. While surplus can be hard to spot, our experience shows that addressing it leads to great results.


Discover our solutions designed to help you generate only what is truly needed:

Recover

 

If you’re already using energy, make sure you're getting the most out of it.


Repurposing energy during production can substantially improve your plant’s efficiency.


We firmly believe this is the future of industrial systems—and now is the time to get involved.


Begin reclaiming the energy you generate—not only during production, but also throughout its use.

 

Repurpose energy from transformation processes to enhance efficiency

Heat naturally generated during energy transformation can be effectively reused—for instance, to heat water using a heat exchanger or to warm your facility through hot air distribution.

Repurpose energy from transformation processes to enhance efficiency

Capture and repurpose the expelled air for improved efficiency

If you’ve thought about recovering air from your cylinders, get in touch. SMC is already making it a reality.

Discover SMC's actuator options

Capture and repurpose the expelled air for improved efficiency

Monitor

 

The data you gather should offer a clear view of your consumption patterns, pinpointing the most energy-demanding machines and tracking how usage shifts across operations.


Adding switches or monitoring systems to your processes significantly increases energy awareness, enabling greater control over usage timing and methods. The more accurate the data, the smarter your choices.


Improved visibility makes it easier to spot inefficiencies or unexpected waste, allowing you to boost overall performance.


Discover our range of products developed to help you track and control your energy consumption:
at will help you to Monitor your consumption:

Use

 

One frequent reason for energy inefficiency in plants is the false assumption that compressed air is free, often resulting in its misuse.
Are you using more energy than necessary, or managing it wisely?


Are your components correctly sized to ensure optimal performance?


Is your air distribution system optimised for energy efficiency?


Do you prioritise energy efficiency when selecting new components?


Browse our products designed to ensure you use only what’s truly essential:

Think

 

At SMC, we see Energy Efficiency as an integral part of our Continuous Improvement philosophy.
To truly embed efficiency in our facilities, we must take a holistic approach—recognising the energy-saving potential in our everyday tasks and decisions.


It’s about energising your efficiency.


In short, Think Efficient is what brings everything together. The solutions covered in the sections Generate, Recover, Monitor, and Use are not isolated measures, but part of a continuous and connected cycle.

 

Resources on energy-efficient practices

Analyse your pneumatic equipment’s energy usage to optimise air consumption and lower your energy expenses.

 

Explore The SMC Expertise Hub

SMC can help OEMs develop energy-efficient machines
By Roy Schep, Manager Energy Efficiency, SMC Netherlands
Read more 

Release the pressure
By Andy Still, Industry Projects Manager, Energy, Europe
Read more 

 Fast-track your route to lower energy bills
 By Jeff Careless, Business Development Manager – Continuous Improvement, SMC UK
Read more 

 

Download our Expert Report

energy efficiency

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Frequently asked questions about Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Automation

What does sustainability mean in industrial automation, and what benefits does it provide?

In industrial automation, sustainability focuses on designing, operating, and improving automated systems in ways that limit environmental impact while preserving efficiency and productivity. This includes reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, using resources such as compressed air, water, and raw materials more efficiently, and extending equipment lifetime through smart monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Sustainable automation solutions are built to be reliable, safe, and energy-efficient, supporting regulatory compliance and long-term environmental goals.

Key advantages include:

  • Lower operating costs achieved through reduced energy use and less waste.
  • Greater system reliability and extended equipment life thanks to optimised performance and predictive maintenance.
  • Stronger compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards.
  • A reduced carbon footprint that supports corporate sustainability objectives.
  • Increased competitiveness, as more efficient processes improve productivity and overall system performance.

How can industrial automation support sustainability and improve energy efficiency?

Industrial environments can improve sustainability and energy efficiency by implementing a range of technologies and system-level solutions, including:

  • Energy-efficient pneumatic and electric actuators that reduce the consumption of compressed air and electrical energy.
  • Variable speed drives (VSDs) for motors and pumps, allowing energy use to adapt to actual operational demand.
  • Smart sensors and monitoring systems that deliver real-time insights into energy consumption and help identify inefficiencies.
  • Advanced control systems that optimise production processes and reduce material and energy waste.
  • Heat recovery and energy reuse technologies that capture excess energy and repurpose it for other applications.
  • Predictive maintenance tools that ensure equipment operates at optimal performance and prevent avoidable energy losses.

Together, these solutions help lower energy consumption, reduce operating costs, and support the achievement of sustainability objectives.

Do energy-efficient solutions require major equipment replacement, or can they be integrated smoothly?

Many energy-efficient solutions can be added to existing industrial systems without requiring extensive equipment replacement. Updating specific components or retrofitting current machinery often delivers significant efficiency gains with minimal impact on operations.

Implementation is usually planned to minimise downtime, allowing production to continue while improvements are made. Working with experienced solution providers supports a smooth, efficient, and low-impact integration process.

Can energy-efficiency measures help reduce CO₂ emissions and support sustainability development goals?

Yes. Energy-efficiency measures play a key role in reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting sustainability development goals. By improving energy use, minimising waste, and optimising equipment performance, these actions directly lower the carbon footprint of industrial operations.

For instance, energy-efficient motors, pumps, and pneumatic systems consume less power, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Over time, such measures contribute to wider sustainability objectives by conserving resources, reducing environmental impact, meeting regulatory requirements, and supporting corporate sustainability targets.