Abstract
In-Plant Trainings (INPLTs) offered by the US Department of Energy Better Buildings, Better Plants (Better Plants) program are multi-day workshops performed by industry-recognized experts. INPLTs include both classroom- and field-based sessions that train attendees to identify energy conservation opportunities, quantify savings from these opportunities, and implement projects to realize the savings. These training workshops enhance the attendees’ understanding of working principles, knowledge of best practices, and capability to analyze the energy performance of industrial energy systems.
INPLTs are competitively awarded and focus on a wide range of topics, including traditional industrial systems such as steam, process heating and motor-driven systems, and processes such as energy treasure hunts and municipal water and wastewater treatment. Partners that are awarded INPLTs can invite external stakeholders, such as employees of other manufacturers, utility representatives, and vendors. The Better Plants program had delivered 123 INPLTs as of spring 2019, trained more than 2,000 participants, and identified more than $37 million in energy cost savings.
This paper provides an overview of INPLTs, some key statistics, the top identified energy savings opportunities, and success stories from INPLTs delivered from 2011 to 2018. Finally, the vision for future INPLTs is discussed based on participants’ feedback and the long-term and strategic goals of the Better Plants program.
