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Fig. 6 – Cross-optimi-
zation with suppliers
(Source: Bain & Com-
pany)

Lever 1: Optimize energy provision can be reused, and automation can reduce energy
Evaluate next-generation technologies, such losses by shutting down systems when they are
as rooftop solar cells, shared district heating to not in use.
prewarm raw materials, cogeneration to produce
electricity and heat together or refection panels to Lever 6: Redesign support processes
light offces during the day. Use videoconferences to reduce travel and review
offce-space needs. Offer refunds to employees
Lever 2: Redesign core value-adding who choose to drive smaller cars than the vehicles
processes in the company-car program. Reduce electricity,
Review production processes with an energy paper and printing costs by using thin clients and
audit. Adjusting the arrangement of the shop foor cloud services, instead of traditional full-scale
or designing a different manufacturing footprint desktops and servers.
can often reduce waste, minimize transport
requirements and avoid reheating or reprocessing
materials. Area 3: Mobilize the organization
Energy effciency is as much about changing culture
Lever 3: Upgrade equipment effciency and individual behaviors as it is about technology.
Old equipment often wastes energy through Thus raising awareness and creating commitment
heat loss, pressure leaks, energy transformation to an energy-effciency program is a crucial step.
losses or just too much friction caused by old ball Organizational and managerial processes must
bearings, motor belts or ineffcient electric pumps also be adapted, incorporating energy effciency in
and motors. the company’s decision making, processes, tools
and culture (fgure 7).
Area 2: Optimize infrastructure Lever 7: Create commitment and track
and supply chain progress
A central success factor of an energy-effciency
Rethinking processes and upgrading buildings program is its endorsement from top management,
can reduce energy needs and may produce other along with clear goals and an understandable
benefts, such as better supplier relationships or a action plan. Constant communication will help
more productive work environment. to remind everyone of the program’s importance
and keep the organization on track. Continuous
Lever 4: Cross-optimize with suppliers monitoring and reporting—for exam-ple, placing
Developing more effcient supply chains or energy counters in hallways—also help ensure
better up-stream products can save costs success.
and energy. Shortening transportation routes,
reducing packaging, using ener-gy-effcient raw Lever 8: Enable through organization and
materials or harmonizing processes upstream management systems
and downstream can all contribute to effciency An energy-effciency program also needs staff
(fgure 6). whose role is to embed energy- and sustainability-
related thinking into the company’s DNA. Energy
Lever 5: Upgrade buildings and infrastructure effciency must become an integral part of every
Many industrial plants and offce buildings date proposal, every investment or procurement
from the days when energy was cheap and process, every product and every service design.
abundant. Updating heating systems, insulation, Find an answer to the question: Who manages
doors and windows, as well as ventilation and energy in my company?
cooling can all deliver savings. Exhaust energy

Impiantistica Italiana - Novembre-Dicembre 2013 41