Energy Efficiency Can Help Manufacturers Meet Challenges Cited in U.S. Department of Commerce Report, Manufacturing in America, Says Alliance to Save Energy
Energy efficiency can offset many of the competitive challenges that U.S. manufacturers face today, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. In the wake of plant closures and layoffs claiming 2.6 million U.S. manufacturing jobs between the fourth quarter of 2000 and the third quarter of 2003, the manufacturing community cites cost control, regulatory compliance, research and development, and adequate labor training as among its most pressing needs. Manufacturing in America, a new report by the U.S. Department of Commerce, tackles these issues, summarizes responses recommended at public roundtables, and analyzes the economic trends that characterize U.S. manufacturing performance. But the report's sole recommendation for federal government assistance to the manufacturing community is appointment of an assistant secretary of commerce for manufacturing and services – a position that remained unfilled as of March 2004.
The Alliance to Save Energy , however, describes a variety of cost-effective solutions offered by the energy efficiency community.
“The energy efficiency community currently offers a wealth of proven, low- or no-cost resources to boost industry's competitive performance,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “These options will help manufacturers meet many of the needs outlined in Manufacturing in America , including energy-cost reductions, relief from regulatory burdens, higher productivity, adequate training, capital investment, and economic development.
“The U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies program has developed technology and training resources which are delivered regionally by a network of state energy offices, national labs, nonprofit organizations, industry associations, universities, utilities, and businesses. Lack of industry awareness may be the only significant barrier to their widespread use,” Callahan said.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Program has documented real savings at dozens of existing plants, and case studies available on the Internet provide examples from many industries in many states. Savings attributable to energy efficiencies are often dramatic. For example, annual single-plant savings opportunities identified at Equilon Refining in California total $52 million; Corning Glass in Ohio , $26 million; and Inland Paperboard of Georgia, $9.5 million. Many more facilities save millions of dollars each by taking advantage of energy-efficient technologies and practices. Since energy efficiency is in no way imposed by regulation or legislation, the Department of Energy simply showcases these examples to encourage other firms to take similar actions.
