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This paper examines the promotion of industrial energy efficiency. It presents a business-oriented view of its benefits for manufacturers. It also presents communication strategies for developing industrial energy efficiency policies and programs. The intent is to improve industrial competitiveness through the greater acceptance of energy efficiency policies, products, and services. Download the Report
Manufacturers can reduce expenses, build revenues, and control risk through better management of their energy use.
Industry competitiveness depends partly on smart resource use, including energy consumption. Energy optimization depends on energy flow monitoring, measurement, and verification. These are essentially management pursuits, distinct from making large capital investments for advanced technology. Energy flow data should foster greater communication and collaboration among production, utility, and finance personnel. Their coordination improves plant reliability, productivity, and scrap rates. Efficiency techniques contribute to desirable process attributes such as speed, flexibility, and product quality. These impacts are often more valuable than fuel bill reductions. The strategic application of industrial energy efficiency:
- Reduces expenses;
- Builds revenue;
- Controls risk; and
- Improves the bottom line.
Energy efficiency policies and programs should complement industry’s core business priorities. Efficiency advocates are encouraged to construct a business philosophy that clearly explains how an efficiency program will contribute to current business needs and challenges. Competitive challenges in manufacturing include product customization, rapid time-to-market, quality assurance, and the ability to manage business risk, which includes energy market volatility. Applied energy efficiency offsets these and other challenges to varying degrees. Efficiency plays a role in reducing exposure to the challenges of utility deregulation, fuel price volatility, power quality and continuity, and evolving emissions agendas. Considerations for outreach include:
- Choosing target industries;
- Preparing to meet “decision teams; and
- Providing actionable follow-up material.
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