June 2, 2009

Companies Benefit From Energy Asset Management

by Daniel Stouffer

In terms of energy asset management, companies collect data from energy systems across the entire organization. This data is then evaluated by management so that the efficiency of the systems can be classified and measures taken to improve energy use. As the Climate Registry urges companies to reduce their energy consumption, this procedure can in turn lower carbon emissions and reduce global warming potential.

Facilities, companies, municipalities and organizations across North America, its' states, provinces, territories and native sovereign nations, participate in a voluntary agreement. The Climate Registry works towards a common goal to identify, track and record greenhouse gas emissions. This is an ongoing effort to help in the reduction of global warming.

A key component under the Climate Registry is emissions reporting. The standardized procedure calls for companies to identify harmful emissions and to establish methods to manage them. Current and future greenhouse gas emissions can be managed, with the goal of reducing the company's carbon footprint.

Within an electrical distribution grid, energy asset management covers all sources — distributed generation of energy, energy storage devices and renewable energy sources. As constant, real-time monitoring of indirect and direct sources is required, asset management software is indicated as these programs can best handle multiple sources and locations around the world.

Energy asset management can track greenhouse gas emissions from specific assets in addition to tracking and recording real-time energy use. For example, emissions from lighting, transport, vehicles, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. As organizations get a better handle on the impact of carbon emissions, they're also tracking the success of their energy reduction efforts.

Protocols are provided by the Climate Registry to assist in energy asset management programs. These guidelines include an in-depth analysis of asset specific attributes linked to energy use. For a more accurate measure of harmful emission sources and energy sources, automated programs are highly recommended. The software programs can provide a greater oversight, and an hourly record of asset energy consumption.

As energy is a major expense for any company, any call to improve operational performance and reduce energy risk is welcome. Energy asset management aims to find short and long-term objectives with regard to consumption. Areas of opportunity are revealed and a plan of action implemented. Risk factors associated with operation, design and maintenance are identified as part of a comprehensive plan for managing all sources of energy.

Several elements are combined within an energy asset management program, notably policy and strategy, creating practical opportunities throughout the company. Several things are achieved, including energy reduction, cost control and for all environmental health.

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