Ask An Expert: Energy Efficiency
Part 1: Demand Response: No Cost Way To Reduce Energy Bills
Part 2: Perform an Energy Audit As a First Step To Savings
Part 3: Overlooked Opportunities Provide Big Energy Savings
Part 4: The Next Big Thing In Energy Efficiency
Part 5: How To Justify Energy Efficiency Projects To Upper Management
Overlooked Opportunities Provide Big Energy Savings
April 2012 - Energy Efficiency
What are some overlooked areas that offer potentially big energy savings?
Effective energy management focuses on payback period and return on investment, as well as performance in a net present value analysis. The focus of ROI will lead you to first attaching the low hanging fruit or low cost /no cost energy conservation measures (ECMS). A general guideline is to control what you own vs. buying a new system just for energy efficiency. An experienced and independent energy consultant, such as a certified energy manager (CEM), can be of great value in using the correct numbers. The CEM can also add credibility to the ROI numbers vs. using free energy advice from vendors. Start with your HVAC, water heating and lighting controls.
Responses provided by Richard Lubinski, president, Think Energy Management LLC.
