Skip to main content

Industrial Efficiency

The industrial sector accounts for over one-third (approximately 36%) of total U.S. end-use energy consumption. This number is even greater when factoring in the energy used to transport the materials and finished goods produced by domestic manufacturing facilities. While industrial operations are amongst the most energy-intensive in the U.S., there exists great potential for improving their energy performance. This is essential for the industrial sector, as inattention to greenhouse gas emissions, inefficient energy and water use, and excessive waste production can hurt domestic competitiveness in a global marketplace.

EXPLORE Industrial Efficiency

Whether your organization is just starting to explore improvements in industrial efficiency or you're a seasoned professional that is looking to stay on top of the latest solutions, the Better Plants programs can assist you on your journey to achieving emissions reduction and energy, water, and waste efficiency. Explore the pages below to familiarize yourself with the components of industrial efficiency, and understand how your organization can make the most of this voluntary partnership. 

   

 

 

Featured Webinars

As noted throughout our resources and program materials, understanding energy, emissions, waste, and water management best practices can help you realize tangible resource and cost-savings benefits that can be reinvested into other areas of a business. We invite you to explore our featured webinars below, or explore our broader suite of online learning resources in the Online Learning Library for Industrial Partners. 

 

Industrial Efficiency Initiatives

  • Energy Savings 
    The Better Plants program works with leading U.S. manufacturers to boost their energy savings, resilience, and economic competitiveness by making improvements in energy efficiency. Through this program, industrial organizations set specific energy reduction goals, and commit to reducing energy intensity by typically 25% over a 10-year period across all their U.S. operations. 
  • Water Savings
    Transporting and treating water in an industrial facility requires energy. Additionally, the efficient use of water can also lead to a more reliable water supply, reduced risk, and improved water quality. Through the Water Savings Network, Better Plants partners set goals to save water and receive recognition and tailored technical support.
  • Waste Reduction
    The Waste Reduction Network helps partners reduce waste, improve energy performance, and reduce operating costs. This network allows industry leaders to demonstrate what is achievable in waste reduction while helping DOE understand real-world problems and solutions, which aids other organizations in creating or improving their own waste programs.
  • Carbon Reduction
    The Better Climate Challenge is a network of market leaders that are stepping forward to work with DOE to plan for their organization's future success by reducing GHG emissions and sharing replicable pathways to decarbonization. Partners will save energy and money and demonstrate leadership in their communities.
  • Supply Chain Efficiency
    Around 40-60% of a manufacturing company's energy and carbon footprint can reside upstream in its supply chain. Better Plants works with partners through the Supply Chain Initiative to encourage their suppliers to leverage program resources and collectively set, track, and meet energy goals.
 

Explore More From Better Plants