Retail Energy Management Initiatives Reap Dividends

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 has caused storeowners to focus on retail energy management. The bill, being proposed by the U.S. Congress, dictates improved energy efficiency and calls for a reduction in carbon emissions, a cap and trade program for certain industries, and proposes that renewable energy sources account for 25% of all energy used by the year 2020. Energy efficiency standards are set for a large number of companies.

The U.S. and several foreign governments are considering some mandatory retail energy management standards to reduce global warming. 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.

There are very intricate regulations when it comes to carbon emissions, as many businesses are finding. These regulations cover refrigerant gas, which is commonly found in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems as well as commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. The new set of energy efficiency requirements will be mandated on top of these regulations. To help these businesses, certain energy management programs can handle the tracking and reporting of emissions through an automated system.

Successful retail energy management ensures that utility usage is reduced and renewable energy sources are identified through the use of smart technology. A healthier environment results, as greenhouse gases are reduced. Retailers see a reduced carbon foot print, the ability to obtain the best energy rates, low energy costs, and an open door when it comes to local, state and national rebates and incentives.

It has been shown that should an average service restaurant reduces its energy needs by 10%, it can enjoy a 4% increase in net profit margins. Likewise, an average supermarket could realize a 16% increase in net profit margins, if it should reduce its energy consumption by 10%. Smart retailers would use the savings to pay for the cost of asset management software, to help them identify, maintain, track and report their equipment.

When it comes to successful retail energy management, the first step is to make a commitment to conserve energy. This may be through upgrading an existing facility, or building a new one. Next, performance should be assessed, goals stated, an action plan created and implemented and progress evaluated. An automated and comprehensive energy management program should quickly and easily provide this data.

An accurate energy portfolio can be achieved through the use of retail energy management programs. Such a program can give you this information regardless of the number and locations of sites that you may possess. Using Energy Star rated equipment, automated programs can give you past and real-time energy usage and can indicate any areas for improvement, against benchmark goals.

A retail energy management program can create a comprehensive energy-saving initiative across one or multiple retail locations. Facilities that have refrigeration units, HVAC units, or extensive lighting, can all benefit. Operators will find that once energy use is controlled, the use of the equipment and operational assets can be optimized and daily costs can be significantly reduced.

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