Leading firms that give greater attention to energy efficiency not only make huge financial savings but avoid creating millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions according to the Pew Center’s latest research. The report documents leading-edge energy efficiency strategies, describes best practices, and provides guidance and resources for other businesses seeking to reduce energy use in their internal operations, supply chains, and products and services
The report covers efficiency strategies encompassing internal operations, supply chains, products and services, and cross-cutting issues. A key finding is that climate change has reframed corporate energy strategies. On average, companies surveyed for this study reported spending less than 5% of total revenues on energy. But when these companies calculate their carbon footprint, they typically find that their energy consumption accounts for the great majority of their directly measurable emissions impact. Suddenly, energy shifts from a small cost item to the biggest piece of their carbon footprint. Viewed from this perspective, energy efficiency becomes a sustainability imperative.
The research also identifies common barriers that companies typically face in developing and implementing energy efficiency these include: lack of project funding; lack of personnel with the appropriate skill sets; inadequate management tools; and insufficient technical information. Augmenting the report are case studies of six unique and highly effective corporate energy efficiency programs. These case studies add depth and detail to the major trends and conclusions identified in the body of the report. The case study subjects are: The Dow Chemical Company, United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and IBM (integrated approaches); Toyota (internal operations); PepsiCo (supply chain); and Best Buy (products and services).
Click here to read the full report
Photo from Creative Commons: Flickr: Tyla’75
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