Sustainability and efficiency combined: intelligent asset management in the circular economy

At the heart of the circular economy is the question of how we can use resources efficiently and minimise waste in order to protect our planet in the long term. Companies and operators of buildings and infrastructure have a key responsibility in this regard, as they contribute significantly to energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. But how can we conserve resources and operate efficiently at the same time?
According to the Federal Environment Agency, space heating in buildings accounted for 27.6 per cent of final energy consumption in Germany in 2021 and hot water for 5.1 per cent. This even exceeds the energy consumption of the transport sector at around 29.5 per cent. The energy consumption of buildings and systems is therefore a massive factor in our environmental footprint.
A leading bearing manufacturer has shown how the circular economy can be implemented in practice. A 100 per cent return service for wheelset bearings in rail transport can reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 95 per cent, energy consumption by 94 per cent and water consumption by 96 per cent. A goods train with 1,296 reconditioned wheelset bearings thus saves 133 tonnes of CO₂, 481 MWh of energy and 1,767 m³ of water. This shows the potential of optimising existing resources.

Nachhaltigkeit und Effizienz vereint Intelligentes Asset-Management in der Kreislaufwirtschaft
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The potential of the circular economy: making more of existing resources

The solution is not simply to focus on new technologies and infrastructures, just to fully utilise the potential of existing assets, i.e. buildings, systems and machines. Through intelligent maintenance, continuous monitoring and the targeted evaluation of operating data, companies and institutions can optimise their processes, improve their carbon footprint and reduce their operating costs.

Data as a driver for greater sustainability

The goal is clear: nothing is more sustainable than maintaining and optimising existing systems. By extending the service life and increasing the availability of their systems, companies can not only save costs, it can also make an important contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.
An intelligent software solution such as the IBM Maximo Application Suite can provide perfect support here. By improving resource and energy efficiency, monitoring environmental and ESG targets, optimising maintenance processes and supporting the reduction of CO2 emissions, Maximo customers can efficiently implement their sustainability strategies and reduce costs at the same time.
In some cases, however, replacing the system is also the more environmentally friendly option; new technologies often enable significant energy savings, which not only reduce costs but also CO₂ emissions. Maximo can also provide excellent support in the ‘repair or replace’ decision.

Practical examples: How IBM Maximo helps companies become more sustainable

In practice, IBM Maximo has proven to be a valuable solution in various industries to promote the circular economy and sustainability.

Read here about successful examples of the use of IBM Maximo:

Conclusion: A step towards a sustainable future

The circular economy and intelligent asset management go hand in hand. With innovative solutions such as IBM Maximo, companies and institutions can make optimum use of their existing facilities, reduce energy consumption and minimise waste – for many years to come. These approaches show that it is not always necessary to invest in new technologies in order to operate more sustainably. Rather, the key lies in the optimisation and targeted use of existing resources.
With modern technologies, we can pave the way to a sustainable future. Take your responsibility seriously and be inspired by our successes – for a functioning circular economy.

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