Overview

Overview

In this lesson, we will continue the discussion about energy but will turn to the manufacturing (or “industrial”) sector. The U.S manufacturing sector uses a significant amount of energy, emits a large portion of greenhouse gases (GHG) and is a major economic contributor in terms of jobs and GDP. Globally, growing populations and rising middle classes throughout the developing world, will mean new consumers demanding all the products we take for granted in the U.S. That means more natural resources to fuel factories and energy sources to power them. In light of that fact, it is important to understand where the manufacturing sector stands in terms of its own transition from energy efficiency to onsite renewables. How manufacturers consume energy and how policy-makers incentive energy efficiency and use of renewables is of critical importance globally as we seek to build a more sustainable energy future and economic system.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify energy sources used in the industrial sector  
• Understand general trends in energy efficiency and typical energy uses within the industrial sector
• Identify general best practices to improve manufacturing sustainability 

Lesson Roadmap

Questions?

If you have questions, please feel free to post them to the Questions about EGEE 401 Discussion forum in Canvas. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help a classmate.