subject: Retail Energy Management Helps Reduce Youe Energy Bills [print this page] Many companies are focusing efforts on energy management to optimize energy efficiency as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is set to pass Congress. The new bill requires reduction of carbon emissions, proposes implementation of a cap and trade scheme for some types of enterprises, and the use of renewable sources of energy for 25% of total energy used all aimed to be achieved by the year 2020. This legislation also sets standard practices for energy efficiency standards for many companies.
The U.S. and to curtail the consequent effects of global warming, governments all over the world are also taking into consideration some proposals of implementing similar mandatory retail energy management standards. Scientific research shows that utility usage, including electricity, heating oil and other fuels, emit greenhouse gases that have the potential to cause adverse climate change.
Many businesses are currently dealing with intricate regulations regarding carbon emissions, such as refrigerant gas commonly found in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A new batch of requirements on energy efficiency are set to be laid out in addition to these proposed regulations. However, there are energy management programs that can handle tracking and reporting through an automated system.
Smart technology is used in achieving reduction of energy use by utilities and to be able to identify renewable sources of energy. This helps to create a healthier environment by reducing greenhouse gases associated with energy use. For retailers, the benefits include a reduced carbon footprint, lower energy costs, the ability to obtain the best energy rates for their sites, and the opportunity to tap into local, state and national rebates and incentives.
Studies show that if an average supermarket reduces its energy consumption by 10%, it would realize a 16% increase in net profit margins. A restaurant the is able to reduce energy use by about 10% will be able to realize increased net profit by up to 4%. The savings would quickly pay for the cost of asset management software used to identify, maintain, track and report the operational status of all equipment in use.
A number of steps are included in the retail energy management. The first is to make a commitment to energy conservation, whether upgrading an existing facility or building new. For the next steps of assessing performance, setting goals, creating an action plan, implementing an action plan and evaluating progress, a comprehensive automated energy management program can quickly and easily provide the data needed.
Irregardless of the location of facilities from various sites, retail energy management system will be able to monitor energy use of buildings which will help you build an energy portfolio. It is best utilized with Energy Star rated equipment and an automated program that provides key information about past and real time energy use, areas of opportunity to better manage energy use, and benchmarking goals and comparisons.
Retail energy management creates a comprehensive energy saving operation for one or multiple retail locations. This brings much benefits to any type of facility which has extensive lighting, heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration units. Your facility manager will be able to effectively optimize energy efficiency of every equipment in your facilities to reduce not just energy use, but also operational costs caused by energy consumption.
