Manufacturers Best Practice Guide
Introduction
Industries across California are recognizing the value of building energy efficiency into their business agendas and equipment capabilities. Groundbreaking research, an abundance of partner programs and strong financial incentives are facilitating industry's transition to responsible energy management. The industrial sector was responsible for 28% of the electricity used in the United States (over 1 million GWH per year) and 28% of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted in 2006. In California, the increasing number and size of power-hungry data centers, clean rooms and laboratories is a key element of the heavy demand.
Energy Consumption by Sector 2006View Details.
Rising electricity and natural gas prices are front-page news, and will continue to increase as global resources dwindle. Price spikes place immediate strain on already tight profit margins and threaten the fluidity of production. Material costs are also rising in response to energy prices and shortages. As energy issues become part of everyday conversation, people are connecting them to environmental concerns such as climate change and pollution, and are realizing that every business and every employee needs to do their share.
The State of California is taking action by implementing new laws that limit GHG emissions and require an increase in renewable energy supply. Energy efficiency is no longer an option, but a necessity.
In response, businesses across California are adopting no-cost and low-cost best practices, as well as smart investments in energy efficiency and energy conservation. Companies are discovering that this is a win-win proposition, with lower utility bills helping to pay back the cost of efficiency projects. Savings on energy bills increase bottom-line performance, making more money available for other business activities and provide a competitive edge. Energy use left unchecked, therefore, is money wasted and profits lost.
The benefits of managing energy use extend well beyond direct cost savings and typically result in multiple indirect benefits: buildings are more comfortable and property value increases; production can increase with fewer work stoppages; there are fewer health and safety risks; there is an overall increase in employee welfare and equipment life is extended. To investors, lenders and customers, successful energy management helps demonstrate sound overall management practices, boosting confidence in executive leadership and company commitment to environmental well-being.
This best practices guide is meant to aid those engaged in the industrial, manufacturing, high-tech and biotech sectors who want to learn more about the benefits of energy management. It describes steps taken to reduce energy use by a number of different industrial businesses. It also provides basic information about tools and technologies that can be adopted to help save energy. Throughout, links direct readers to more in-depth and technical resources for further information. Flex Your Power's Industrial website is also a continuously updated source for information.