Energy productivity—the measure of how much economic value is generated for every unit of energy used—can be underestimated when multiple benefits are overlooked. This oversight can lead to missed opportunities for cost savings and business growth. Energy productivity encompasses not just energy cost savings, but also operational improvements, quality enhancements, safety improvements, reduced downtime, and lower maintenance costs. These often-overlooked benefits can significantly impact the overall value of an energy project.
A recent tool release by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) aims to address this gap in understanding energy productivity. The JUSTIFI tool is a free, open-source software that helps manufacturers better comprehend the full value of their energy improvement projects. By quantifying these benefits, businesses can strengthen their business case for projects, reduce payback periods, and demonstrate alignment with key performance indicators and strategic objectives.
JUSTIFI's name reflects its purpose: It is a justification tool that identifies, quantifies, and reports the often-overlooked multiple benefits of energy projects. When these results are combined with energy savings, they can significantly enhance industrial competitiveness. The tool enables users to identify tangible benefits in their specific project, quantify their value, and connect those results to business strategic goals.
Since its beta release in April 2025, more than 1,000 users have tried JUSTIFI, and NLR and ORNL researchers continue to gather feedback to further enhance its features. The tool now generates clear, decision-ready or custom-designed reports that tie project outcomes to key performance indicators and highlight payback improvements.
The software contains a database of common multiple benefits, making it easier for users to find relevant information. This feature allows users to build a complete business case for their energy productivity projects: quantifiable outcomes that could yield better return-on-investment metrics than evaluating projects on energy savings alone.
Users do not need formal training to get started with JUSTIFI. The tool provides a multiple benefits knowledge library for more in-depth information and resources. By leveraging this software, businesses can unlock the hidden value in their energy productivity projects and make informed decisions about future investments.
The JUSTIFI platform is an essential resource for manufacturers seeking to improve their energy efficiency and competitiveness. With its free, open-source nature, it offers a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to quantify the benefits of their energy projects.
By quantifying multiple benefits alongside energy savings, businesses can demonstrate alignment with key performance indicators and strategic objectives. This aligns with the goal of supporting more informed decision-making and higher project implementation rates.
The JUSTIFI tool is an important step towards a more comprehensive understanding of energy productivity in industries. Its impact will be felt across various sectors as manufacturers begin to leverage this software to optimize their energy efficiency and competitiveness.
The JUSTIFI tool can support more informed decision-making and higher project implementation rates.
