Industrial Energy Management: An Overlooked Opportunity

Improved energy efficiency will account for two-thirds of avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2030 (IEA, 2006). Since the industrial sector represents more than one third of both global primary energy use and energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, improving energy efficiency in the industrial sector is critically important for meeting this goal.  

An energy management standard is needed to influence how energy is managed in an industrial facility.  Energy management works- companies that have voluntarily implemented energy management plans have achieved energy savings of 20% or more, with corresponding reductions in GHG emissions.  

Work by an LBNL researcher with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the U.S. Department of Energy was a primary influence on a decision by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to develop ISO 50001-Energy management.  Representatives from 33 countries, under the leadership of the US and Brazil, are developing a standard with broad applicability in the commercial and industrial sectors that could influence up to 60 percent of the world’s energy demand.