How is Google Reducing Carbon Through Global Supply Chains?

Energy efficiency is often called the “first fuel” in clean energy transitions for a simple reason: it provides some of the quickest and most cost-effective CO₂ mitigation available, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

For today's complex global supply chains, improving energy use is not just a sustainability metric but a critical factor for operational resilience and cost control.

However, translating this potential into reality is often challenging. Many manufacturing facilities face major hurdles like high upfront costs for consultants, constrained capital for new equipment and a lack of dedicated in-house expertise to identify and implement improvements.

To help its supply chain partners overcome these obstacles, Google is launching its free, self-service Energy Assessment Tool (EAT) to help manufacturers reduce costs and emissions.

Empowering supply chain partners

The EAT is designed to empower facility managers to conduct preliminary energy assessments without the need for on-site support or deep expertise. It provides actionable insights, breaking down common barriers to energy efficiency improvements by simplifying the data collection process.

By entering basic facility data—such as utility bills and equipment specifications—users can receive customised recommendations covering more than 20 common system areas, including air compressors, boilers, chillers and lighting. The tool provides analyses typically found in an "ASHRAE Level 1" standard energy audit, which involves a walk-through analysis to identify low-cost and no-cost energy-saving opportunities.

Introducing the tool, Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, writes on LinkedIn, “We’re launching a tool that I wish I had access to early in my career as a sustainability leader.”

She explains that by providing partners with the right resources, progress can be accelerated. “By equipping our partners with the right resources, we can accelerate progress, reduce costs and build a more efficient and resilient supply chain for everyone.”

Fostering collaboration and visibility

A key function of the EAT is its ability to foster collaboration between a company and its suppliers, extending positive impacts across the value chain.

The platform highlights projects with the greatest potential for cost and carbon reduction, enables assessment across multiple facilities for better investment prioritisation and supports seamless collaboration between teams. This shared approach is central to the initiative and gives C-level executives greater visibility into the sustainability and efficiency of their network.

“The journey to a more sustainable future is a shared one,” writes Google. “The Energy Assessment tool helps pave the way for our mutual success.”

Data security and accessibility

The tool is powered by a robust calculation methodology and comprehensive data developed by leading engineering consulting firms. Recognising the sensitive nature of operational data, individual supplier energy information is kept secure and confidential.

The EAT is built and managed by a third party and has been reviewed by Google to ensure it meets stringent privacy and security standards. This structure allows suppliers to decide which partners to collaborate with and what summary data to share, such as total potential savings.

To support adoption across key manufacturing regions and global supply chains, the tool offers language options in Chinese (simplified and traditional), Thai, Vietnamese and English.

This initiative is a component of Google's broader strategy to build a more sustainable supply chain and reach its target of net zero emissions across its value chain by 2030.