ACEEE | American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Jan 6, 2014
One Small Step for Energy Efficiency: Targeting Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers
This report surveys energy consumption and barriers to energy efficiency for small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMM), and then describes several leading energy efficiency programs that address t…
One Small Step for Energy Efficiency: Targeting Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers
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This report surveys energy consumption and barriers to energy efficiency for small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMM), and then describes several leading energy efficiency programs that address those barriers. SMM make up about 90% of manufacturing establishments but account for only about 50% of the energy consumed by industry. Despite using less energy at a given facility than their larger counterparts, SMM are good targets for energy efficiency programs. Not only do they pay higher prices for their energy and are less likely to have dedicated onsite energy managers, but smaller energy savings projects tend to save a higher percentage of total consumption. Still, barriers exist: a lack of staff resources, capital constraints, and a dearth of expert information on energy efficiency opportunities. Addressing these barriers, several leading energy efficiency programs reach out to smaller manufacturers, use innovative energy management programs and financing options, and leverage existing resources.
Toward Best Practices for Industrial Innovation: Lessons from the Department of Energy’s Industrial Demonstrations Program
This paper highlights a central lesson for policymakers: Industrial innovation requires alignment across government programs (grants, procurement), financing mechanisms (tax credits, loans), and institutional capacity. When these three are backed by sustained commitment from the public sector, private industry, and external stakeholders, the transition from demonstration to deployment becomes viable.
This report identifies pathways for India’s cement industry to decarbonise at a pace compatible with the national climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Industrial Rate Impacts on Electrification Projects in Illinois and Michigan
New study points to rate structure reforms, supportive programs
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