The BlueGreen Alliance, a partnership between labor unions and environmental organizations, recently released a new policy report on industrial energy efficiency. It notes that America’s manufacturing sector – the world’s largest – can keep its lead by taking advantage of the huge opportunities to increase energy efficiencies, cut waste and save on operating costs.

Reinforcing this concept, a McKinsey study found that the industrial sector is missing out on $47 billion in energy savings and that smart investments in efficiency could cut energy use 20 percent by 2020.

At Trane, we balance four main areas when working with industrial clients to cut energy costsand improve the sustainability of their operations: more efficient use of materials, reducing outputs through reducing rework and improving throughput, proper waste handling, and managing, documenting and communicating compliance with regulations or goals.

The Trane High Performance Buildings approach for industrial customers means measuring the precise workings of the facilities, such as temperature, humidity levels and more, and working with the customer to select the improvements that will have the biggest impact on the bottom line and the working environment.

Better operational efficiencies not only means less cost and a more competitive business, but better conditions for the employees as well. The right temperature, humidity levels, acoustics and ventilation can improve productivity and retention, and reduce the number of missed work days.

Clearly, energy efficiency is a win-win situation for a company’s bottom line and its employees.

Go here to read more about how Trane works with the industrial sector clients to cut energy costs.