Aprroaches and measurements for energy efficiency in manufacturing. An investigation into automotive industry

In the context of growing concern about depletion of natural resources energy efficiency gains an increasing importance. The purpose of this research is to investigate current trends in implementation of energy monitoring and energy efficiency practices by manufacturing companies in Italian automotive industry. Moreover some best practices adopted by important players in Italy, Germany and Japan have been highlighted and compared. To develop this research work two methodologies have been adopted: survey and case study. Firstly, a comparative literature review has been carried out in order to identify challenges and opportunities from organizational, operational and technical points of view to improve energy efficiency manufacturing companies. Then a survey on a sample of 176 Italian automotive industry players had been used to collect data. In order to identify and analyze the present best practices, some in-depth case studies have been examined. Six case studies, built through a combination of site visits, phone interviews, email data requests, information published on web sites and various reports issued by the companies. All the six case studies analyze energy efficiency practices adopted by manufacturing companies in automotive sector. One is also looking at energy efficiency through a prism of technology provider. Three of the case studies examine integrated approaches to achieve superior corporation-wide energy performance and specific initiatives targeting to improve energy efficiency of internal operations. The results obtained show the growing trend in implementation of energy efficient practices, especially over the last two years, when in a context of economic crisis the firms started to look for possibilities of cost reduction. Some of the practices that automotive companies can adopt to reduce energy use and KPIs they use in order to monitor, control and improve their energy consumption are observed. The results seem to confirm that the most effective way to improve energy efficiency is through the adaptation of an integrated approach embracing organizational, operational and technical aspects. Suggestions for further research are finally proposed.