subject: Explosion in Energy Efficiency Software Market [print this page] Explosion in Energy Efficiency Software Market
As the cost of energy continues to increase, it's no surprise that the market for energy efficiency software continues to grow with it. In fact, the market is expected to undergo rapid growth from 2011 and 2012. Verdantix, a respected research organization based in the UK, evaluated a broad cross-section of companies that provide energy management solutions to large, dispersed entities. The research presented leaders in the market and the capabilities that are important to organizations now and in the future. In the report, Verisae was noted as one of the 10 leading providers in the market, with strong energy management capabilities. Saving energy and cutting costs is a vital strategy for most organizations. These initiatives are tied directly to the survival of companies; they are not merely tied to sustainability goals anymore. Organizations are now looking seriously at controlling energy costs as they know it's imperative for their survival. An overall approach to sustainability is bolstered by sophisticated initiatives such as the adoption of energy efficiency software. Cost reduction goals can be understood and consumption cut. We know that budgeting and accounting software solutions have been part of the business environment for many a year. We need to broaden that horizon and encompass energy management solutions to help us deal with energy problems, as well.As margins are tight and competition gets even fiercer, it can be difficult to carve out any growth in terms of sales. Amidst this business climate, organizations need to make sure they trim costs and overheads as much as possible. Companies that specialize in the development of energy efficiency software report considerable and growing interest in their products. Many businesses with a proactive approach to energy management report cost savings of up to 15% can be achieved through active monitoring of consumption and understanding of asset performance.Utility companies are looking to specialized programs, like demand response, to help them manage the grid and power supply. In turn, they are under pressure to conserve fuel and avoid the high costs and spikes in demand that occur during certain environmental conditions. Demand response may help to ensure that rolling blackouts, that were once so prevalent, are confined to the history books.In order to be able to take advantage of demand response, especially in consumer facing environments, organizations must be fully aware of their energy footprint. They need to know how much energy their assets consume under all conceivable scenarios. Unless they have this information, they cannot capitalize on demand response program opportunities.Without energy efficiency software to help organizations monitor, interpret, and understand real energy needs, energy cost savings are merely a dream. There are significant incentives to take part in demand response programs and relevant tariffs, but without access to granular information the savings will be left on the table.In a retail store environment where consumer satisfaction is absolutely paramount, there may be resistance to any strategy that seeks to conserve energy on the grounds that it might "disturb" the customer. These can be very real fears, but the only way to assuage these doubts is to arm the management team with granular information. A variety of "what if" scenarios can be examined through the management software and the results will ensure that any decisions made are based on a solid foundation of facts and not guesswork.
