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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    Energy Assessments

    An energy assessment is an evaluation of a manufacturing plant's energy use to identify the most cost-effective, energy saving-opportunities.

    • Search recommendations from completed assessments to find energy-saving ideas.

    • Obtain an assessment with assistance from DOE's Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO). AMO offers assessments to demonstrate the effectiveness of a tool or protocol in identifying energy savings opportunities and to promote the growth of the commercial energy assessment services sector.

    • Review the assessment process to prepare for and make the most of an assessment.

    • Contact an Energy Expert or a Qualified Specialist in your area who applies DOE's software tools during assessments of common energy systems.

    Large manufacturing plants often find they can save an average of $1.4 million per year in energy and operating costs from system-specific assessments. Small to medium-sized plants have identified an average of $55,000 in annual savings from IAC assessments.

    Obtain an Assessment

    AMO can assist manufacturers in obtaining an assessment in four ways.

    1. Small and Medium Plant Assessments

    DOE's Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) offer a limited number of no-cost, one-day assessments at small and medium plants—with gross annual sales below $100 million and fewer than 500 employees at the plant site. University teams of trained faculty and engineering students conduct assessments using DOE's tools and resources. To determine if your facility may receive an IAC assessment, review the eligibility requirements and locate an IAC near your plant. To learn more:

    2. State Assessments

    DOE-funded State and Regional Projects offer a limited number of no-cost plant assessments at manufacturing facilities of all sizes using local IACs and other in-state assessment resources. Each program is unique as to the type and quantity of assessment resources available. To determine if your facility may qualify, review the state fact sheets on the State and Regional Project Awards page.

    • Search the State Incentives and Resource Database to find out if your company is eligible for assessments offered by energy providers, government entities, or nonprofit organizations in your area.
    • Browse the State Activities website to learn about assessments in your state.

    3. In-Plant Training Sessions

    A company participating in DOE's Better Buildings, Better Plants Program or Challenge can apply to host an on-site, three-day training session in one of its facilities. The training includes an assessment of common energy systems such as steam, process heating, or motor-driven systems. Personnel from other facilities within the company, as well as from other companies in the area and suppliers, may be invited to attend. Attendees learn the process used to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and review the results of the assessment. To determine if your facility may be eligible, review and complete the application formMicrosoft Excel.

    • Review summaries of past training sessions.

    4. Referrals to Qualified Specialists

    Contact a DOE-recognized Qualified Specialist in your area who conducts three-day assessments of common energy systems using DOE's software tools.