“A successful energy transformation can only be achieved together as a team and must be accompanied by a change in mindset.”

How did you get into the field of energy management? What interested you about the subject?
I have been fascinated by technology since I was a child and I was particularly interested in the energy sector, which is why I completed my engineering degree in the field of renewable energies. From a global perspective, there was some neglect in the areas of energy efficiency and sustainability in recent decades. This means that on the one hand there is a lot of pressure, but on the other hand there is also enormous potential. This is highly motivating and makes working in the energy team extremely interesting and varied for me. A key driver of my work is also the understanding that my job not only has an impact on me, but that I can use my technical expertise to create sustainable progress and change for future generations.

What skills and knowledge do you need as an Energy Manager?
In any case, perseverance and patience! Due to rising energy costs, the topic of resource efficiency and energy saving is becoming increasingly important. However, it is not possible to turn processes that have been established over decades around 180 degrees overnight. Technical understanding and the feasibility of projects are the basis, but successful change is only possible if the relevance and awareness of energy issues is firmly anchored in the minds of all employees in the long term. Open and interdisciplinary communication is the key here and therefore another very important skill that is indispensable in my job.

Are change projects always lengthy processes? Is short-term success possible?
We always strive to achieve quick results with our measures on site and to achieve good results even with small, cost-effective projects. Due to different technical system bases, extensive investments are sometimes necessary in order to achieve significant improvements in the long term. You have to work with the things that are available and this also opens the door to smaller measures. The interdisciplinary composition of our team is a great benefit here and stimulates the exchange of project ideas and proposed solutions.

Is this one of the major challenges for energy management in relation to Xella's sustainability goals?
One important aspect is managing the various requirements and issues relating to energy efficiency in our plants. The initial situation on site is very heterogeneous and it is often a challenge to make unused potential visible. It is important for me to emphasize that we are always supportive and want to work together with the plants to make them more energy efficient.

What does the work at the plants look like in practice?
Our main tools for ideas and measures are energy assessments and projects for which we are on site as often as possible. The topic of energy transformation can only be tackled together, which is why we see ourselves as one big team in which problems need to be solved transparently and sustainably without judgment. We plan as quickly as possible how to remedy the situation or how we can provide support on site, which is why we appeal to all colleagues to contact us if there is potential for improvement. I am grateful for the great employees in the plants who, despite the difficult market situation, are making such great cooperation possible and implementing the projects with us.

What projects are currently being implemented?
We are increasingly focusing on internal employee training to raise interest in energy efficiency and energy savings and to promote awareness of the relevance of the topic at Xella. We are therefore holding a boiler attendant workshop in November 2024, which will focus on this topic in particular, and we would be delighted to see a great response!
I am also currently supervising the autoclave cover ring insulation project, which has already been rolled out to various plants. The scope varies depending on the number and design, but the potential energy savings are really promising. There are nine more plants on the agenda for this year - we're on track, so it does not get boring!

What do you do when you're not working?
I find a good work-life balance incredibly important in order not to lose my own creativity and curiosity in everyday life. That's why I'm a big fan of traveling and new sports like kite surfing or bouldering.
However, with all the business trips and projects, my dog Canelo reminds me of the most important qualities in management positions - soft skills such as empathy and self-reflection! Canelo comes from Fuerteventura from the Finca Esquinzo animal sanctuary. Since his adoption, my sister and I have been working closely with the organization and also provide support on site. Working with and for animals shows that a lot is possible through teamwork and commitment, and that the projects that benefit other living beings the most are wonderful.