MAXIMIZING ENERGY SAVINGS WITH ENTERPRISE ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
ABSTRACT
As the field of energy management matures, so do the tools and best practices available to ensure that the energy required by an organization is used in the most efficient way possible. In the past, energy management practices consisted primarily of replacing inefficient equipment and then using any number of methods to estimate the savings gained. Studies performed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) have shown, however, that energy savings can be dramatically increased and maintained over time by
adopting and implementing consistent energy
management practices and recognized measurement and
verification procedures.
As energy management standards and best practices begin
to see widespread adoption, the information systems
required to support them will play a crucial role in their
implementation and success. These enterprise energy
management (EEM) systems can provide the detailed data
and analysis capabilities required to ensure energy
management strategies and conservation measures are on
track throughout an organization. Organizations can apply
EEM systems to gain a comprehensive understanding of
current energy performance, plan and select cost-effective
energy conservation measures, track performance of
measures that have been implemented and verify the
savings realized.