Building Energy Management.

The Seven Sisters Computer Consultant® Building Energy Management Programs are designed to assist building operators in setting up and implementing ongoing energy management programs. While the environmental impact is important, it must be recognized that for most building management organizations, the most appealing aspect of an energy management program is the reduction in operating costs due to reduced energy consumption.

In order to secure financial resources for an energy management program, organizations will need to identify and address stakeholder perspectives in the formulation of "marketing" strategies. The marketing of an energy management program would aim to illustrate the substantial financial savings that can be achieved by increasing energy efficiency in buildings they administrate. The bonus of an energy management program is the contribution towards environmental conservation and initiatives such as the Kyoto Protocol, as increased efficiency in energy usage and the subsequent reduction in overall energy consumption in buildings contributes to reducing Canada's greenhouse gas emissions.

Several areas of energy management are covered by The Seven Sisters Computer Consultants®, including energy accounting and utility bill analysis, rate schedules, preventive maintenance programs, common problems and solutions, performing building inspections, evaluating conservation options, establishing goals and selling the right program to building administrators. We will assess energy use by tracking and graphing consumption and apportioning energy data to narrow the focus of walk-through inspections and to evaluate the operating condition of the existing equipment. Thus, it becomes easier to identify areas with the greatest savings potential and to prioritize conservation. Today’s energy managers can’t rely on reducing temperatures and turning out lights. Building administrators must not only be well versed in all aspects of building operation, but must also effectively apply conservation strategies in a positive way to satisfy administration and board members.

Purpose Of An Energy Management Program

Energy conservation became important in the late 1970s and early 1980s mainly due to the 1973 oil embargo. In view of tightening energy supplies and sharply rising costs, new approaches to controlling energy consumption were put into effect. Initially, conservation was largely based on operations and maintenance approaches. These are still the most cost effective. It is important to periodically review buildings to be sure they are being operated and maintained in an energy efficient manner. Building commissioning consists of verification and documentation that all building facility systems perform interactively in an efficient manner and that operation and maintenance personnel are well trained. Energy conservation is an important part of the commissioning process. Energy conservation today involves much more in the way of capital improvements than it did a few years ago. There are many proven products and services available to reduce utility costs. Early energy conservation efforts were sometimes seen as a nuisance to building occupants. Today, many of the improvements being made primarily to conserve energy actually improve the attractiveness, comfort, and usefulness of the building. At today’s energy prices, the strongest argument for conservation and an energy management program is the cost of not conserving.