Leaders from the Field: 3M's Steve Schultz

The “Leaders from the Field” series features interviews that aim to shed light on energy efficiency and energy-related activities that are shaping strategic initiatives in leading American manufacturers. This month, the Alliance interviewed Steve Schultz, Corporate Energy Manager for 3M Company. 

Steven C. Schultz, Corporate Energy Manager, 3M

Steve Schultz has global responsibility for 3M's energy management program, guiding the following objectives: reduce operating costs and environmental impacts, achieve corporate energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals, and position 3M for future growth. That's no small task at one of the world's largest manufacturing companies.

What originally motivated 3M to make a commitment to energy efficiency? 

I think the motivation really comes from the core values of 3M going back many years.  The company has always had an attitude about using resources wisely, and this easily translated into energy conservation.  Our formal corporate energy management program was begun in 1973 due to the oil embargo, which affected energy supply and costs in the United States.  The program has been continuously maintained and expanded since that time.

How does 3M recognize and motivate its employees to identify and implement energy efficiency measures?

We realize that people are what really makes the difference and communicating with them about the importance of managing energy use, both at work and at home, is an important part of our program.  Our Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) program is another example of how engaged employees can help make a difference.

Our program provides opportunities for recognition at many levels.  Members of our plant energy teams can qualify for an award each year depending upon how effectively the plant has improved energy efficiency.  The highest of these team awards includes a celebration dinner where the team members are invited to bring a guest to join in the celebration.  3M's Energy Management program hosts the dinner and pays the costs.  As added recognition, we have invited the energy champions from the plant sites that achieve this level of award to join us at the ENERGY STAR awards celebration each year in Washington.

Last year, we initiated a corporate-level award for Energy Excellence which is given at the annual Engineering Awards ceremony at 3M headquarters in St. Paul.  This award recognizes individuals or teams that have given support for energy projects beyond what is expected.  Last year was the first year the award was given, and we received 63 nominations from 10 countries in which 3M has operations.

We also give employees opportunities to be more informed and to participate in energy activities, even if they aren't on a site energy team.  Many of our sites hold Energy Fairs each year to share information about what 3M is doing to save energy and to provide information about how employees can save energy at home.  This past summer, 3M sponsored the ENERGY STAR exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.  We had over 220 3M employees volunteer to staff the exhibit, which exposed over 300,000 fair attendees to the benefits of saving energy at home.

Going forward, how will 3M be able to further improve energy efficiency in its manufacturing facilities? Will voluntary programs such as Save Energy Now LEADER, ENERGY STAR and Superior Energy Performance, and standards such as the ISO 50001 Standard, play a role? 

3M will continue to improve energy efficiency at its facilities by encouraging the use of new technologies, tools and information that becomes available.  You may question whether we have harvested all of the low-hanging fruit.  I believe we may have harvested a lot of it, but, unless you stay on top of things, the fruit can tend to grow back. 

Also, I believe technology and information give us new tools that allow us to climb higher into the tree to reach the harder-to-get fruit.  We will continue to work toward greater efficiency in our operations and are willing to share our experience with others.  Participating in voluntary programs, such as ENERGY STAR and Save Energy Now LEADER, provides us benefits we can use to improve both our management systems and technical approaches to energy efficiency improvements. 

I believe the upcoming ISO Standard for an Energy Management System for Energy will provide a consistent approach across industry, and also send a message to corporate leaders that effective energy management is a lot more than completing a few energy projects.

Schultz is a Certified Energy Manager with the Association of Energy Engineers and was named a Champion of Energy Efficiency by the American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy.  He participates in an advisory role with the DOE Industrial Technologies Program and participates on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Energy Policy Committee.