Corporate Energy Management

Top Down

Senior Executive level management commitment is the first step in reaping the benefits of prudent energy management. A clear well defined energy management policy defines goals, management structure, resources and financial terms of the energy management program.

Energy Program Champion

An internal energy management coordinator should be appointed with the primary duty of guiding the energy management program. It is recommended this person have credibility within the organization, an understanding of mechanical systems, energy accounting and an understanding of the political geography of the organization.

Energy Program & Policy

A Comprehensive energy management program is based on maximizing economical achievable efficiencies. Start with an overview of the policy. The overviews should include behavior modification, performance goals, standardized performance assessment, standardized financial evaluation, action plans, improvement in operations target and technology upgrades. Keep it simple in the beginning. In time, experience will be a valuable tool in developing comprehensive policy.

Involve Operation

Involving operations is central to an effective energy management program. Help non- financial individuals communicate in financial terms. Assist non-technical individuals understand the technical. People are an intangible form of energy and need to be managed efficiently.

Conduct Site Visits & Surveys

An initial energy review, energy survey and/or energy systems evaluation can establish how energy is being used. The collection of energy and operations data is critical before, during and after a site visit. Standardized reporting should be used to establish overviews, recommendations and financials.

Evaluate Opportunities

This is the bottom line of the energy management program. This is where the financial reward is realized. It is important to be prudent and systematic in approach to avoid missing potential opportunities.

Specifically, answering whether to invest $100,000 in mechanical equipment with an annual savings of $10,000 when an investment of $120,000 in a mechanical system would have saved $40,000 annually.

Implementation

Energy upgrades and capital improvement should have a predefined evaluation process. There is no financial reward until the Energy Conservation Measure is implemented.

Monitor & Evalate

Experience is a powerful thing. Monitor energy investment and performance normalizing for weather and commodity cost. A history of successful energy conservation measures will be valuable within the organization, in developing a comprehensive energy management policy.