Sustainability Checklist: Six Questions for Managing Energy
Cost reduction strategies are always on the forefront for organizations, and one effective way to curb costs is by taking a closer look at one of your biggest cost factors: energy. Easier said than done though, right? Let’s look at six simple questions for determining if you are spending too much on energy and/or are not taking advantage of the plethora of opportunities available to improve your organization’s sustainability and resiliency.
- Do you evaluate your current energy supply contracts, building usage profiles, historical tariffs, and market data?
- Have power outages cost you in production losses or is your power unreliable?
- Have you explored generating your own power with technologies such as solar or combined heat and power (CHP)?
- Do you participate in a demand response program to receive monetary compensation for curtailment during peak times?
- Is your supply chain or are your stakeholders encouraging (or demanding) a ‘greener’ footprint?
- Do you think that your organization has old, inefficient systems and equipment that could be upgraded to improve operations and concurrently save on energy usage and costs? Examples include inefficient HVAC systems, old air compressors with potential leaks, or older lighting.
If any of the above has caused you to take pause, there is a strong chance there is opportunity to improve upon your current energy management strategy by reducing your organization’s overall energy demand while also improving upon resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability. Paired with a strategic electricity and/or natural gas procurement strategy, energy efficiency projects and demand-side management carry a multitude of operational, financial, and environmental benefits that impact both the short and long term.
The first step is partnering with a trusted advisor. Data-driven, technology agnostic, and focused on what’s in the best interest of our clients, the APPI Energy team works as an extension of your team to help you set, meet, and exceed your energy management goals. Connect with us here on our website or give our team a call at 800.520.6685.
