Examining “the Jungle” of Metrics Available to Improve Sustainability Performance of Energy Intensive Industries.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Energy use in manufacturing is under increasing scrutiny given chal- lenges, especially in recent times in Europe, for the cost and security of supply. In addition, the carbon impact of energy must be reduced dramatically in the coming decade(s) to meet national legally binding targets and alignment with global net zero objectives. This is being acutely felt in the energy intensive or ‘foundation industries’ that are high energy users with disproportionally high car- bon impact due to the higher use of non-renewable sources. Metrics and associ- ated targets implicitly drive a focus on energy efficiency, however, a wider set of metrics that better represent sustainability issues could be used to foster broader solutions both within companies acting alone as well as collaborative solutions by working across organizations whether commercial or not for profit. This paper examines the spectrum of potential metrics to drive better sustainability perfor- mance (and greater resource efficiency, including energy efficiency) in the pur- suit of broader societal goals such as the UN’s Global Goals. The paper reports on metrics research at multiple scales from process to factory to system levels. The findings show how alignment with emerging potentially mandated standards could lead to broader innovation in manufacturing.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSustainable Design and Manufacturing 2023
PublisherSpringer
ISBN (Electronic)978-981-99-8159-5
ISBN (Print)978-981-99-8158-8, 978-981-99-8161-8
Publication statusPublished - 21 Feb 2024

Publication series

NameSmart Innovation, Systems and Technologies
Volume377
ISSN (Print)2190-3018
ISSN (Electronic)2190-3026

Bibliographical note

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