Better Plants, Best Partnerships

There are many reasons that nearly 200 leading manufacturers have committed to improve energy efficiency at more than 2600 facilities across the country, but one of the main appeals of AMO’s Better Plants Program is that it is a partnership for exchanging knowledge and expertise in energy management. This knowledge isn’t limited to technical expertise – partners share innovative, replicable energy solutions, including how to lower organizational barriers to energy efficiency. Better Plants partners have access to a robust portfolio of new tools and resources outlining best practices and tips provided by the Department of Energy and industry partners. These resources and tips help partners save money on utility bills, create new jobs, and improve their organization’s competitiveness.

In-Plant Trainings

Better Plants works with nationally-recognized experts to lead In-Plant Trainings (INPLTs) to train participants how to identify, implement, and replicate energy-savings projects. These three-day, focused trainings occur on-site and can help provide manufacturers with hands-on skills that range from specific new technology areas like compressed air, process heating, or industrial refrigeration all the way to Energy Treasure Hunt Exchanges in which energy teams uncover opportunities for energy savings at each other’s plants.

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Toolkits

The Better Buildings Solution Center offers a number of innovative toolkits for industrial applications. These toolkits address common barriers that many partners come across and include tools to overcome challenges to implement energy management systems. The toolkits include topics such as how to finance an energy efficiency project, how to implement Superior Energy Performance (SEP), and how to implement Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) which enables plants to utilize data and technology to manage their energy consumption.

Measurement, Testing, and Diagnostic Equipment Program

In addition to online tools, Better Plants partners also have access to physical tools to field test their energy consumption. Various instruments traditionally used in INTPLTs are now available to partners through the Diagnostic Equipment Program. The program helps plant personnel identify and utilize reliable measurement equipment they may not otherwise have access to.

Implementation Models

Who would be better to provide advice on energy management than an industrial partner who has already successfully implemented energy savings practices? Through the Better Plants Program, partners share their success stories and detail how they overcame challenges with innovative new approaches to challenges. Since Better Plants partners represent nearly every manufacturing sector, there is a diverse portfolio of implementation models showcased by Better Plants partners. These models cover everything from information on successfully driving employee engagement to integrating dashboards to display real-time energy consumption data that enables operators to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption.

These valuable resources offer a combination of innovative best practices to new sector- and site-specific tips and tools, giving Better Plants partners the opportunity to tailor their energy management practices to best suit their needs. They are able to learn from each other’s successes and failures to drive innovation in manufacturing, leading to cost savings, economic growth and energy security.

In addition to these resources, one of the best opportunities for knowledge transfer is at events like this week’s Better Buildings Summit, where Better Plants partners can hear first-hand about success stories and exchange best practices and tips. They will also have access to experts in specific topic areas like water efficiency and combined heat and power (CHP). Learn more about the Better Buildings Summit here.