Energy Efficiency in U.S. Manufacturing

The report examines energy efficiency in the U.S. pulp and paper sector, specifically focusing on facilities in the Midwest. It argues that investing in efficiency to reach national average levels can lead to significant annual cost savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis is framed against a backdrop of industry consolidation, where value-added grew by 8 percent between 2002 and 2011 despite a 30 percent decline in employment. The document aims to provide state-level policymakers and businesses with facility-level data and case studies to make energy efficiency opportunities more visible and less abstract.

• Pulp and paper facilities in the Midwest that operate below the national average efficiency level have the potential to achieve substantial annual reductions in energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions by investing in efficiency initiatives.
• The U.S. paper manufacturing sector has undergone a period of consolidation between 2002 and 2011, characterized by a growth in total value-added of 8 percent alongside a 30 percent decrease in the number of employees.
• The publication of the final Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rule in January 2013 has provided the regulatory certainty necessary to trigger new investments for compliance, creating opportunities for low- or net-negative-cost energy efficiency investments.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Energy Efficiency in U.S. Manufacturing. https://www.wri.org/research/energy-efficiency-us-manufacturing

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Energy Efficiency in U.S. Manufacturing. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/energy-efficiency-us-manufacturing.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Energy Efficiency in U.S. Manufacturing |url=https://www.wri.org/research/energy-efficiency-us-manufacturing |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendenergy, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Energy Efficiency in U.S. Manufacturing}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/energy-efficiency-us-manufacturing}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }