Using Six Sigma for energy conservation and energy efficiency improvement

Abstract

Energy is the backbone of human activity. Energy consumption is increasing rapidly worldwide to sustain the modern way of living with all amenities. Energy, being an indisputable input, optimizing its utilization helps minimize the cost and environmental pollution. Many companies worldwide are continuing to achieve improvements in business performance using the Six Sigma methodology. Six Sigma is a generally recognized approach that focuses on optimizing an enterprise's organizational efficiency, management strategies, and systems by detecting and avoiding 'flaws' in processes relevant to production and services. By developing a Six Sigma methodology-based energy management plan, a company can simultaneously find a systematic way to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. This study discusses a six-sigma-based energy management planning procedure, focusing on five significant steps: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. An overview of the standard energy-consuming equipment in manufacturing industries is provided. Different energy-saving opportunities are then investigated. Finally, this article presents case studies of varying energy conservation and efficiency projects that successfully implemented the Six Sigma methodology.