Improving Energy Efficiency
3M's energy efficiency efforts date back to 1973, when the 3M Energy Management Department was formed. Improvements result from employee programs that increase energy efficiency of existing operations, new equipment and facilities designed to be energy efficient, and the development of new, more energy efficient 3M products and processes. Using Life Cycle Management, new product development teams work to improve the energy efficiency of 3M products. They consider energy efficiency in their choices of raw materials, product formulations and manufacturing processes.
To drive continuous improvement in energy management, the company has set a
goal to improve energy efficiency by 20% from 2005 - 2010. This goal is on top
of previous energy efficiency efforts which have achieved 80 percent
improvement in energy efficiency at 3M's U.S. operations since 1973 and 43
percent improvement in energy efficiency at 3M's operations worldwide since
1998.
During 2008, 3M implemented 212 energy projects which saved over $9.7 million. 3M has realized $37 million of energy savings from its 2005 base year by implementing more than 1,400 employee-inspired projects. We continue to adopt new methods to improve energy-efficiency, including the use of Six Sigma methodology and increasing our use of alternative, renewable energy.
Results:
80 percent improvement in energy efficiency at 3M's U.S. operations since 1973
43 percent improvement in energy efficiency at 3M's operations worldwide since 1998
19 percent improvement in energy efficiency from 2005 β 2008
Energy Use by Type
Energy Source* |
2006 Use (MMBtus) |
2007 Use (MMBtus) |
2008 Use (MMBtus) |
Electricity |
9,300,000 |
9,600,000 |
9,240,000 |
Steam |
800,000 |
820,000 |
800,000 |
Natural Gas |
15,000,000 |
15,200,000 |
15,270,000 |
Fuel Oil (Number 1, 2, & 6) |
1,500,000 |
1,100,000 |
1,070,000 |
Gasoline & Diesel |
330,000 |
360,000 |
410,000 |
Propane & Jet Fuel |
250,000 |
350,000 |
300,000 |
Coal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
27,200,000 |
27,400,000 |
27,000,000 |
*Data covers 100% of manufacturing facilities and any 3M location
greater than 2,800 square meters.
