Energy efficiency initiatives are pivotal for reducing global energy consumption and carbon pollution. Industrial energy conservation measures (ECMs) are specific improvements which lower energy consumption, and in turn save money for stakeholders in the industrial sector. Examples focused on steam systems can include adding or repairing insulation, improving the functioning of steam traps, and upgrading to energy efficient burners. In addition to lowering energy consumption, many of these strategies also lower the amount of water consumed in industrial steam systems, resulting in significant additional monetary savings. Current evaluation metrics often overlook water considerations, which hinders comprehensive analysis and policy formation for these energy conservation measures. Therefore, assessing water conservation co-benefits and integrating water savings into energy conservation measure assessments is critical for understanding their full economic and environmental potential and guiding effective policy interventions.

Key Findings and Proposed Solutions

• Several common steam system energy efficiency improvements result in combined energy-water savings, and these steam system improvements are shown to be more viable when water consumption costs are considered

• Combined energy-water conservation (CCEW) provides a more complete picture of the economic viability of steam system ECMs than conventional cost of conserved energy (CCE), as it incorporates the important influence of water savings costs that accompany steam systems ECMs

• Broader consideration of water savings can improve the economic case for industrial energy conservation measures