Energy management: what gets measured gets done!

To minimise or improve energy use, it must be measured, monitored, and visible. "Targeting is the key action—what gets measured gets done!" Says Dr. Robin Kent, energy and sustainability management expert.

Here we'll cover some basic guidelines on energy and the management agenda to help you get started, or review current practices.

First, every worksite needs an energy policy—a statement of commitment on energy use. This should include improvement targets for the short, medium, and longterm.

Because they control most of the energy use, production should be accountable for energy management. An energy manager can then mediate as "scorekeeper".

Funds and time should then be specifically allocated to energy-management projects. Monitoring and targeting (M&T) for such projects is fundamental for effective energy management.

And, as a lot of data is probably already collected, use it to mine information and target improvements.

Action:

• Create and distribute a formal site Energy Policy
• Assign clear responsibilities for energy management
• Gather initial data and convert this into information to manage site energy use
• Use the performance information to target improvements
• Publish performance information widely