Water and energy management in the slaughterhouse

Publisher Summary The slaughtering industry can be sub-categorized on the basis of the type of animals that are slaughtered: large animals and small livestock. The most significant environmental issues associated with slaughterhouse operations are water consumption, wastewater pollution, and energy consumption. Slaughterhouses are a part of the food industry and have to comply with common hygiene standards. Water consumption is highly dependent on the type and amount of animals slaughtered, the method of slaughtering, the processes used, and the degree of automation. The food sector, including slaughterhouses, contributes to the consumption of energy by industry. This chapter reviews the use of water and energy in slaughterhouses. It also discusses various water and energy saving options in the industry. Similar to other industrial sectors, the first step toward water saving is the implementation of good housekeeping measures. The chapter also highlights water reuse and recycling options in a slaughterhouse. The realization of water reuse and recycling options is limited by three different factors: water quality requirements; cost for treatment options; and environmental legislation. Water and energy consumption can be optimized in existing plants by implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS). The techniques that can be a part of the EMS are: planning; efficient process control; maintenance program; monitoring and measurement; corrective and preventive actions; audits; and benchmarking. Further studies could be carried out to concretize an EMS in slaughterhouses.