Besides providing technology solutions for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, TI is exploring new ways of saving energy.

Managing energy use and spending for a company as large and complex as TI is a big job. But Sunil Thekkepat, TI's energy manager for Worldwide Facilities is up to the task, particularly when it comes to promoting energy conservation throughout the company.

Along with his team and energy champions at all major TI sites, he has to be up to speed on all things related to energy efficiency and responsible energy use and procurement.

He and his team identify opportunities for using renewable energy and ensuring TI energy-saving products are used whenever equipment is upgraded. They seek out energy-intensive operations and develop strategies to achieve near- and long-term reductions. And overall, they encourage a company culture committed to energy efficiency in all facets of TI's operations.

"The most fulfilling aspect of my job is enabling energy management, whether it is for conservation or cost reduction, because it positively impacts not only our company but also the environment and society in general," Thekkepat said. "What makes it better is that we have an entire workforce of innovators and engineers from diverse groups and countries committed to making this happen."

A history of conservation
TI takes a global approach to energy efficiency, focusing first on reducing use at its source, sharing best practices between sites worldwide and also seeking "next practices" to enable even greater energy efficiency.

TI has had an active energy conservation program since the 1970s. In the past decade, the company has invested in about 100 new efficiency projects every year, collectively saving $4 to $5 million annually.

In 2010, TI invested $6 million in efficiency projects and completing a total of 103 projects, saving TI $3.7 million in annual energy costs. The projects included upgrades to more efficient lighting and installation of daylight and motion sensors throughout our TI's facilities worldwide

"As the company continues to reduce individual consumption and optimize its manufacturing processes, TI will use fewer resources and save money," Thekkepat said.

Looking ahead to the next five years, TI has set a goal to reduce the energy required to design, market and manufacture a chip by 45 percent (from 2010). In 2011, the company also aims to implement energy savings projects that reduce utility costs by $5 million.

Renewable energy
In addition, the company will continue to look for opportunities to use renewable resources such as wind and solar power.

The energy team recently finalized an agreement to source about 10 percent of TI's electricity needs in Texas from renewable sources through 2012. TI's Texas sites represent almost half of its global energy use, so this measure will go a long way in helping reduce overall environmental impact. At other locations, the company is on the lookout for onsite generation of energy using renewable resources.

Using TI products, empowering employees
Thekkepat said it is a personal challenge for him to ensure TI products are used in equipment upgrades as new systems are installed. For example, at two TI sites in Dallas one of TI's customers will soon be installing a new, more efficient lighting system that uses TI analog and microcontroller technologies.

Inspiring and empowering TI employees to conserve energy at work is another one of Thekkepat's goals.

"By caring for employees and the environment, we believe TI builds its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen – a company that employees want to work for, customers want to do business with and investors want to support. Our history of conscientious business practices has served us well and built a solid and valuable reputation that we must earn every day," Thekkepat said.