Sarah Cooney
National Renewable Energy Laboratory | Researcher Operations Research Analysis
Speaker
Track D: Better Plants Program
Session D4: Beyond Energy
September 19, 2025 | 10:30 am - 11:00 am
JUSTIFI: Open-Source Software for Identifying and Quantifying Non-Energy Benefits
The integration of Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) into energy efficiency initiatives is essential for operational excellence in manufacturing. This presentation and software demonstration explore how quantifying NEBs such as improved safety, increased quality, and enhanced productivity, can strengthen business cases for energy investments, leading to better payback periods and alignment with organizational goals. We introduce JUSTIFI, a free, open-source software by the U.S. Department of Energy that aids in the measurement of NEBs and enhances understanding of their impact on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI). JUSTIFI features an intuitive interface for identifying NEBs, customizable reporting tools, and comprehensive system cataloging, empowering companies to effectively communicate the value of energy efficiency projects. By leveraging this innovative tool, organizations can better navigate energy efficiency assessments and drive support for their energy management initiatives.
Track A: FED Energy
Session A2: Energy Solutions for National Security
September 18, 2025 | 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Improving Performance via Energy Efficiency JUSTIFI: Open-Source Software for Identifying and Quantifying Non-Energy Benefit
With growing energy supply concerns and rising costs, energy efficiency is a critical component of industrial energy resilience and competitiveness by reducing energy operating costs. Energy efficiency projects in manufacturing yield valuable benefits to other key metrics: improved quality, reduced maintenance costs, improved safety, and enhanced productivity. The inclusion of non-energy benefits (NEBs) in the decision-making process for energy efficiency projects can improve the overall financial payback period while demonstrating a positive impact on the firm’s key performance metrics and strategy. Despite significant financial and strategic value, NEBs are rarely factored into decision-making due to lack of tools to effectively identify and quantify them. Therefore, a comprehensive and integrative approach is needed for the rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Addressing these challenges, our new methodology integrates continuous improvement six sigma concepts, such as the DMAIC process, a protocol of guiding questions, and open-source software, JUSTIFI, into energy efficiency assessments. These tools are designed to be used concurrently with DOE energy system analysis software suite, MEASUR. Our methodology and tools inform energy assessors, firm engineering, decision makers, and workforce seeking to increase energy resilience and to maximize benefits aligned with performance metrics.
This work is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Speaker Bio
Currently, Sarah serves as a Researcher in the Center for Energy Conversion & Storage Systems at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, CO. She supports manufacturers, utilities, and education providers in their energy transition efforts, while also leading initiatives to quantify non-energy benefits for energy efficiency projects. She has experience specializing in Lean & Six Sigma methodologies, regulatory compliance, and project management.
Sarah has held a variety of manufacturing and operations roles in several industries including chemicals, pharmaceutical, and automotive. Previously, she has held positions as Plant Manager, Director of Operations, and Vice President of Operations. Achieving operational excellence was a central accountability for these roles.
She is passionate about leveraging her skills to drive innovation and efficiency in the renewable energy sector while fostering workforce development in clean energy initiatives.