Google Launches Free Tool to Help Manufacturers Assess Energy Efficiency

In November 2025, Google announced the introduction of a new, no-cost digital self-service platform known as the Energy Assessment tool. This resource is specifically designed for facility managers and sustainability leads at manufacturing sites. Its primary goal is to help these professionals quickly pinpoint immediate opportunities for boosting energy efficiency across their operations.

This initiative aims to democratize access to sustainability tools, which have historically been the exclusive domain of large corporations. The platform addresses several critical hurdles manufacturers face when trying to implement energy-saving measures. These challenges include the steep cost associated with hiring external energy audit consultants, difficulties in securing capital for new projects, and a general lack of in-house expertise in managing energy consumption effectively. Vrushali Gaud, Google's Global Director for Netzero Strategy and Operations, Water, and Circularity, noted that while energy efficiency should be one of the simplest ways to cut energy use and costs within the supply chain, this is often not the reality for many manufacturers.

The Energy Assessment tool delivers tailored recommendations, enabling users to analyze over twenty potential areas for improvement across essential systems. These systems include compressors, boilers, chillers, and lighting infrastructure. The suggested enhancements range from equipment upgrades and operational adjustments to the potential installation of solar power generation facilities. The analytical capabilities built into the platform align with the standards comparable to ASHRAE Level 1 audits, which serve as a globally recognized baseline for assessing industrial facilities.

A key feature of the tool is its capacity to evaluate multiple production sites simultaneously. This allows users to compare performance metrics across different locations and strategically prioritize investments to achieve the greatest overall impact. Furthermore, the platform incorporates built-in collaboration features. These functions facilitate joint data analysis and coordinated next steps between internal teams and external suppliers. This design reflects Google's core belief that efficiency gains must cascade throughout the entire value chain to be truly effective.

The development and ongoing operation of this digital solution were managed by the firm Together Creative. The methodology underpinning the calculations, along with the necessary input datasets, were developed in partnership with consulting firms Jacobs and Anew Consulting. According to Misha Weiss-Lane, Group Product Manager, and Alan Deng, Supplier Engagement Manager at Google, equipping partners with these essential resources accelerates progress across the board. This ultimately contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable supply chain for everyone involved.

Enhancing energy efficiency remains one of the most cost-effective pathways to reducing emissions, even though it often gets overshadowed by more visible technological solutions. The launch of this tool coincides with mounting pressure on global supply chains from customers, investors, and regulators who are demanding verifiable proof of emissions reductions. Google’s introduction of the Energy Assessment tool underscores the company’s commitment to providing practical, data-driven solutions specifically tailored for the industrial sector.