Driving Efficiency Through Energy Assessment

Energy assessment refers to a comprehensive analysis and inspection of energy utilized within a facility, factory, site or system to reduce the amount of energy consumed, evaluating ways to enhance energy performance. The main objective of an energy assessment is to develop better understanding of the way energy is being used, and to find ways to reduce cost by using energy more efficiently and reducing the carbon footprint.

The value of energy assessment can be enhanced with the help of stakeholders at all levels within an organization, gaining various insights into energy efficiency. An energy assessment should not only include stakeholders who have energy expertise, but also external individuals, who will be able to provide valuable ideas and alternate perspectives, helping to introduce innovative energy efficiency opportunities. The capacity of a facility to undertake energy assessments will depend on the skills and resources available. Some organizations may be able to employ full-time staff that are dedicated to improving energy consumption and continuously assess ways to conserve energy. Other organizations may find it more useful to engage with external experts to provide specialist advice to an organization. There are several energy service companies that can support assessment, identification and offer valuable solutions that will enable companies to reduce their carbon footprint. However, one must bear in mind that the cost of bringing in this external expertise should not out outweigh the payback accrued to the company, if the solutions are implemented. Energy assessment expenditures should be undertaken at an appropriate level that is suitable for the business.

A clever energy assessment will be planned thoroughly and will engage relevant stakeholders to enhance its value to an organization. Preparing a clear scope of work will help to elucidate specific job roles, expectations and insights required to streamline the work. It should also ensure accurate cost estimates so that the project is within the planned budgetary framework.

To get full value from energy assessment, a deep understanding of the company’s utilization of energy is of primary importance. Understanding energy consumption and relating it to business activities is a core element of energy assessment, helping to discern the relationship between energy and productivity. This level of energy assessment will equip a company with the knowledge to focus its resources on specific areas, where energy improvements will be most valuable, without wasting efforts on other areas that may be less successful.

A company can utilize several methodologies and technologies to understand the degree of energy use. But, it is important that the measurement frequency is taken over a time period, in order to fully capture the correct operational period of the company. If this does not happen, then it is likely that the measurement of energy use will be incorrect. One could perhaps consider energy measurements on a daily, weekly, monthly and even quarterly basis to come to a coherent conclusion on the use of energy within the company.

Energy data can also be coupled with business data for a deeper understanding of the relationship between energy and business. For example, changes in environmental conditions may impact how energy is consumed. For example, air conditioners may be turned off during cooler months, causing less energy to be consumed.

Energy assessment should also take into account business-relevant information such as organizational changes, growth plans, shutdowns and more. Energy assessment should bring about a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence energy consumption before arriving at a final conclusion and solution.

I write on many diffrent topics. Follow me to read all great articles.