The Integral Role of Electric Motors in Achieving Sustainability

Globally, electric motors are the single biggest converters of electrical energy, accounting for an estimated 45 % of the world’s electricity usage. Even as the world transitions to more sustainable energy sources, global electricity consumption is anticipated to increase. Improving the efficiency of electric motors is an integral part of reducing the total energy usage, though it only makes up one portion of a motor’s total sustainability footprint. From the sourcing of raw materials used to manufacture a motor and their circularity to the greenhouse gases emitted during the transportation of the motor to its final installation site, this paper provides a holistic view of sustainability regarding electric motors and guidance for assuring sustainability in motor selection.