Energy Management: Reducing Use is Critical Success Factor
Alternate energy sources. Carbon offsets. Waste-to-fuel. Landfill gas application. All are excellent opportunities to help reduce our carbon footprint. However, the most critical and cost-effective energy management strategy is simply Use Less. For example, consider how we manage energy here at Kimberly-Clark.
Kimberly-Clark is like many large manufacturers in that energy costs are one of our largest operating expenses. Recognizing that energy is an important strategic resource, Kimberly-Clark has a long-standing commitment to reducing our energy use by achieving best-in-class energy-efficiency targets. Supported by our Global Energy Services Team, our energy management efforts include:
- Evaluating energy suppliers
- Negotiating supply contracts
- Assessing and implementing cost-effective alternative energy projects
- Conducting energy efficiency audits
- Implementing technical energy solutions such as combined heat and power technology
Every K-C facility has energy efficiency targets based on benchmarks for each manufacturing process. These targets factor in production levels to create facility-specific targets. Every quarter, each K-C facility submits their energy use data into a centralized database so that we can track our progress and identify and support those facilities that are furthest away from achieving their targets. These support efforts could include sharing best practices and developing and implementing energy efficiency improvement plans.
Our energy management focus efforts are working. For the second consecutive year, K-C was recognized as ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for our energy management practices and commitment to sustainable operations.
Article written By Lisa Morden, Global Sustainability Leader, KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL*
