Google Launches Energy Tool to Cut Supply Chain Emissions

Energy efficiency is often known as the ‘first fuel’ in clean energy transitions.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) it provides some of the quickest and most cost-effective CO₂ mitigation opportunities available.

In an effort to prioritise these gains, Google has launched its self-service Energy Assessment Tool (EAT) to help manufacturers reduce both operational costs and emissions.

The platform is designed to empower facility managers to conduct preliminary energy assessments without requiring on-site expert support.

Many manufacturers face major barriers to improving energy efficiency, including the high cost of assessment consultants, limited capital for projects and a lack of in-house energy management expertise. These challenges can prevent the implementation of simple high-impact projects.

The EAT platform from Google aims to break down these barriers by providing actionable insights for manufacturing facility and plant managers, helping to accelerate progress toward cost reductions and climate action.

A self-service tool for efficiency

By entering basic facility data, users can receive customised recommendations across more than 20 system areas such as air compressors, boilers, chillers and lighting.

The tool is designed to provide these insights without needing prior energy management expertise or expensive on-site assessments.

It provides a data-driven way to identify potential energy efficiency projects, offering analyses that are typically found in an ‘ASHRAE Level 1’ standard energy audit.

“We’re launching a tool that I wish I had access to early in my career as a sustainability leader,” writes Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, on LinkedIn.

Kate explained that by providing partners with the right resources, progress can be accelerated, costs can be reduced and a more efficient supply chain can be built for everyone.

The tool highlights projects with the greatest potential for cost and carbon reduction and enables assessment across multiple facilities for better investment prioritisation. It also supports seamless collaboration, allowing teams and suppliers to work together.

Data-driven insights and project analysis

The platform is powered by a robust methodology and a database developed by leading engineering consulting firms.

This distils extensive on-site experience into a self-service solution, transforming a complex and costly process into one that is more straightforward and collaborative.

To support adoption across key manufacturing regions, the tool offers language options in Chinese (simplified and traditional), Thai, Vietnamese and English.

Google has also addressed data security concerns. The EAT is built and managed by a third party and has been reviewed by Google to ensure it meets stringent privacy and security standards. Individual supplier energy assessment data is kept secure and confidential.

Suppliers retain control over which partners they collaborate with and what summary data, such as total potential savings, they choose to share.

“The journey to a more sustainable future is a shared one,” writes Google.

Supporting wider corporate sustainability goals

The EAT aligns with Google’s wider strategy of integrating sustainable energy use across its operations and supply chain. As a large corporate buyer of clean energy, Google procures large volumes of renewable power while also investing in advanced nuclear, enhanced geothermal and grid-enhancing technologies.

In 2020, Google launched its third decade of climate action, setting a target to reach net zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2030. This is underpinned by an ambition to run entirely on 24/7 carbon-free energy on every grid where it operates.

Beyond this specific tool, Google focuses on the circular economy, water stewardship and nature. Google works to design out waste and boost material reuse in its data centres while building durability and repairability into its consumer hardware.

Its data centres are among the most efficient in the world, supported by responsible water use and innovative cooling technologies such as direct-to-chip systems.

These efforts, combined with habitat and wetland restoration partnerships, contribute to a more resilient and sustainable operational footprint.