The research involved interviews with 39 executives across 10 countries and diverse industries, plus an online workshop with 36 enterprise data leaders to explore how digital technologies address sustainability challenges. Additionally, surveys of 360 Swiss manufacturing employees revealed approaches to energy efficiency. Rising global energy costs, heightened by geopolitical events like conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, press companies financially, especially in energy-intensive sectors such as cement, chemicals, and metals. These industries, along with manufacturers relying on complex supply chains, face profit margin pressures due to increased fuel and power expenses.
Businesses are expanding efforts to enhance energy efficiency not only to support sustainability but also to achieve tangible cost savings, bolster resilience, and enable growth. Some have cut energy consumption by up to half at certain facilities and improved process efficiency by 10-20%. Success stems from comprehensive strategies integrating digital system upgrades and clear executive accountability with performance targets.
Three key strategies emerged: first, investing in data collection and analysis to enable real-time energy management through sensors, dashboards, and centralized platforms; second, redesigning operations to optimize energy use, reduce waste, and deploy AI for continuous improvement; and third, creating products and services that help customers meet energy efficiency goals.
Companies like Clariant utilize digital platforms and AI to monitor and reduce energy use across global sites, achieving significant savings. Similarly, Georg Fischer combines energy-saving technologies, renewable energy, and circular economy practices to lower fossil fuel dependence and emissions. Producers like ABB and DMG Mori offer energy-efficient products and data-driven services that help customers reduce consumption and improve operational efficiency.
The findings highlight a reinforcing cycle where visibility into energy consumption drives operational redesigns, funding further innovations for customers. Organizations that prioritize energy efficiency with clear goals position themselves advantageously amid volatile fossil fuel markets.
