Making our homes, vehicles, and businesses more energy efficient is critically important when addressing the issues of carbon emissions and the rising costs of energy. In the past, simply increasing energy production solved many of the challenges that we face. In 1973, the oil crisis brought energy issues to the forefront, and they have again taken on great importance. Today, with prices soaring and consumption rising at alarming rates, it is imperative that we try to meet our energy needs by increasing efficiency instead of increasing energy production.

Despite this formidable challenge, there are simple steps that each organization can implement to become more energy efficient. Lovins' Rocky Mountain Institute points out that in business settings, "There are abundant opportunities to save 70 percent to 90 percent of the energy and cost for lighting, fan, and pump systems; 50 percent for electric motors; and 60 percent in areas such as heating, cooling, office equipment, and appliances." The fact is that up to 75 percent of the electricity consumed by U.S. businesses today could be saved with efficiency measures that cost less than the electricity itself.

Additionally, a report published in 2006 by the McKinsey Global Institute, asserted that "There are sufficient economically viable opportunities for energy-productivity improvements that could keep global energy-demand growth at less than 1 percent per annum." That is less than half of the 2.2 percent average growth anticipated through 2020 in a business-as-usual scenario.

ADC understands these concerns and can help with cost-saving solutions for our customers. We believe that with a strategic approach to energy management that twice the savings - both for the bottom line and the environment - can be realized. ADC developed our “Green Innovations” stamp for this very reason. ADC features a number of products and solutions that are designed to help customers realize true energy efficiency. These solutions are designed with fewer raw materials, to increase passive airflow, and reduce cooling costs based on their design. The Green Innovations stamp highlights that the ADC product or solution will help end users achieve energy savings. ADC’s goal is to help our customers realize true energy efficiency within their business or through the applications and solutions they provide.