| Retail Energy Management Initiatives Reap Dividends |
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| Environment - Environment |
| Written by Daniel Stouffer |
| Tuesday, 09 June 2009 07:38 |
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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 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. Governments around the world are considering mandatory retail energy management standards, as they address global warming. Greenhouse gases are emitted during utility processes, including the production of electricity, heating oil and other fuels and this has significant adverse potential when it comes to causing climate change, according to scientific research. Intricate regulations cover refrigerant gas emission, as commonly found in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems or commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. A large number of businesses are coming to terms with these regulations, and now a new set of energy efficiency requirements are tabled as well. Energy management programs are coming to the fore, as these 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. Studies show that if an average supermarket reduces its energy consumption by 10%, it would realize a 16% increase in net profit margins. A service restaurant reducing energy use by 10% could see a 4% increase in net profit margins. The savings would quickly pay for the cost of asset management software used to identify, maintain, track and report the operational status of all equipment in use. 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. Retail energy management tracks a buildings energy use and is a valuable way to see your enterprises entire energy portfolio, regardless of the number and location of sites. It is best utilized with Energy Star rated equipment and an automated program that provides key information about past and real time energy use, areas of opportunity to better manage energy use, and benchmarking goals and comparisons. 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. About the Author: Daniel Stouffer has much more information about the need for retail energy managementand how the refrigerant-tracker will benefit you. |