Federal Support for Energy Efficiency in U.S. Industry: Collaboratively Addressing Energy Management in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Abstract

The U.S. industrial sector consumes about one-third of energy in the United States each year. Improving energy efficiency in an industrial environment may come with a host of benefits to the facility owner, including a reduction in annual energy expenses, lower maintenance costs, increased productivity, and improved profitability; but sector-wide improvements in industrial energy efficiency represent even greater advancements to a collective federal agenda relating to the economy, energy, and the environment. Multiple federal agencies-U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Small Business Administration-have taken a keen interest in industrial energy efficiency due to its clear links to the creation and retention of quality jobs, U.S. economic competitiveness, domestic energy security and global climate change. This paper explores successful industrial energy efficiency programs established by various federal agencies, as well as emerging collaborative initiatives designed to enhance energy efficiency across U.S. small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). Authors investigate which of these programs have experienced traction and success among SMMs, as well as the best methods to engage SMMs at the local level. Additionally, this paper identifies existing barriers hindering energy efficiency within SMMs and discusses interagency opportunities to expand the reach and efficacy of federal energy-efficiency resources.