Decarbonization is Smart Business Strategy

Incorporating digital enablement

That advisory phase led to a multi-step equipment electrification program that kicked off in 2023 with an automation and controls upgrade at the EnerSys battery manufacturing plant in Warrensburg, Missouri. The upgrade resulted in an operational emissions reduction of over 2,000 mtCO2e, and approximately $240,000 in annual energy savings.  

The upgrades have yielded dramatic emissions reductions overall. In the process, EnerSys has also realized significant cost savings. For example, by collaborating with local utility providers for the Warrensburg controls project, EnerSys realized an estimated $300,000 in rebates, which helped pay for the implementation. 

The benefits of the upgrades don’t stop there, however. The facility improvements EnerSys has made are also paying off in the form of optimized production, increased safety and improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ).  

What’s next

The Warrensburg upgrade will be followed by a boiler, compressed air, and domestic hot water upgrade at the EnerSys plant in Richmond, Kentucky, and a comprehensive energy optimization initiative at EnerSys headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania. In coming years, more facility upgrades are expected to help the company realize both Scope 2 neutrality and a full clean energy transition by 2050. 

The initiative has also helped cement the position of EnerSys as a climate technology innovator. Among the recognition the company has received is a 2025 WISE (Women in Smart Energy) Award, which was given to EnerSys Global Sustainability Senior Manager Christina Sivulka at the Smart Energy Decisions (SED) Neto Zero Forum in April. 

“We’re proving that sustainability isn’t a trade-off, but rather a strategic advantage and a smart business strategy,” said Sivulka. “By prioritizing our carbon reduction goals, we’re unlocking a world of previously unseen efficiencies and savings, confirming that sustainability isn’t just a commitment, but a catalyst for innovation and growth.” 

“We expect this engagement to be a model for other long-term decarbonization programs,” said Joelson. “More and more manufacturers are realizing that if they want to reach their net-zero goals by 2040 or 2050, they had better start now. The electrified, low-carbon, sustainable future isn’t coming someday, it’s here now. Trane can help turn their decarbonization commitments into reality.”