Energy is one of the largest expenses for small and medium manufacturers. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the industrial sector, which includes manufacturing, accounted for 35% of total U.S. end-use energy consumption and 33% of total U.S. energy consumption in 2021. Manufacturing alone accounted for 76% of industrial energy consumption or about 25% of total U.S. energy consumption.
With such high numbers, energy consumption can undoubtedly lower costs and improve environmental performance and competitiveness. But how can you achieve energy efficiency in your manufacturing processes?
Meet GENEDGE — an industry-leading organization that provides consulting services, training, and resources for small and medium manufacturers in Virginia. One of their areas of expertise is energy management, which helps manufacturers optimize their energy usage and implement energy-saving measures.
In this blog post, we will explore
- What energy management in manufacturing is
- How GENEDGE can provide help for small manufacturers in Virginia
- A real GENEDGE case study that saw process improvement and energy conservation
What is Energy Management?
Energy management in manufacturing is the process of planning, monitoring, measuring, and improving your organization’s energy performance. It involves identifying and implementing energy-saving opportunities, developing and maintaining an energy management system, and benchmarking your energy performance with industry peers and best practices.
Energy management can help you achieve the following goals:
- Reduce energy consumption and costs
- Increase energy efficiency and productivity
- Enhance environmental performance and compliance
- Improve customer satisfaction and reputation
- Gain a competitive edge in the market
How GENEDGE Can Help Manufacturers with Energy Management
Energy Assessments
Have you ever wondered where all your energy is going? GENEDGE offers energy assessments that can shine a light on how your manufacturing operations consume power, find ways you could use less of it, and hook you up with the financial perks that come with making those smart energy choices!
Energy Efficiency Projects
Whether it’s swapping out those old lights for LEDs or tuning up your heating and cooling systems, GENEDGE can guide you through all kinds of energy efficiency upgrades, give your crew the lowdown on keeping things running smooth, and even show you how to implement solar or wind power for your business with quality systems and performance.
Energy Management Systems
Staying on top of your energy use can be a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be with an energy management system in place. GENEDGE is your go-to for setting up frameworks like ISO 50001, the energy management system standard. They’ll assist you in getting certified and celebrated for your energy-savvy ways.
Energy Benchmarking
Ever feel like you’re in the dark about how your energy use stacks up against others in your field? GENEDGE helps you measure your energy consumption against industry best practices and peers. Plus, they can get you hooked into programs like the GENEDGE Alliance Emerging Business Program, strategically aligning small manufacturers with a roadmap to face energy challenges. Through the program, you gain exclusive access to web resources on areas such as advanced manufacturing technologies that are energy-sustainable.
Coalfield Services, Inc. Case Study: A Model of Energy Efficiency
When Coalfield Services, Inc. (CSI) approached the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) for help with process improvements and energy conservation, little did they know the measurable impact it would soon bring. CSI faced a challenge many growing companies encounter: increased work demand with limited staffing resources. To streamline their operations without stretching their workforce thin, they turned to MTC, which is allied with GENEDGE.
Through a grant from the U.S. EPA, MTC launched an Economy, Energy, and Environment (E3) project for CSI to enhance energy efficiency and minimize its carbon footprint. This would fulfill their immediate needs and solidify their reputation for environmental stewardship.
MTC’s strategy was smart and methodical. They assembled a cross-functional team to assess energy usage across CSI’s facilities thoroughly and orchestrated a 5S Kaizen event focused on refining processes, especially in the electrical assembly area. This circumvented the need for an expensive facility expansion, resulting in big savings upfront.
The meticulous review of plant processes led to an annual savings of $6K in insurance and taxes and an additional $4,800 in energy savings. Beyond the clear financial gains, CSI also saw ongoing benefits from the improved lighting and air system enhancements.
How to Get Started with GENEDGE
Ready to turn a new leaf and boost your energy efficiency? GENEDGE is your first step to a brighter, greener future. Our assessments deliver insights that will streamline your operations and increase profit. And hey, we know you’re busy – that’s why we offer flexible, lightning-fast virtual or on-site options that’ll have you sorted in just a few hours.
Don’t wait for change; create it. Contact GENEDGE for a free assessment, and let’s power up your business.
