Understanding technological innovations and implementing them with the purpose to improve energy efficiency is very important for both the workplace and at home. At the same time, this creates a more harmonious relationship between the environment and economy. Looking out for ways to enhance sustainability not only helps the planet by using natural resources more adequately in order to avoid pollution. The process of being more energy efficient is not only cost-effective in the long term but also enhances the quality of life overall.
Building Energy Management Systems is a useful way to monitor and control the energy levels of buildings, as well as manage and have a more conscious approach in the future to lower energy consumption, whilst still keeping the production and comfort levels afloat.
Theres three ways in which we can manage energy:
I. Energy conservation
A method used to reduce the energy use of a building by discarding energy waste
II. Energy recovery
This is a method that can be utilised to re-use the systems energy byproduct, and reutilise it for the energy of another system.
III. Energy substitution
Refers to the act of changing or replacing one source of energy with one that is more cost-effective and at the same time more eco-friendly and sustainable.
Organisations can improve their energy management that detracts from consistent energy efficiencies or improvements by utilising the international standard for energy management systems ISO 50001.
This can can develop a structured energy management system or EnMS. An energy management system is used to measure, monitor and continue to improve any organisations energy performance. Which translates into saving money, conserving resources and addressing environmental concerns. It is a comprehensive and structured approach to energy management, a practical framework, modelled on the; plan, do, check, act.
The plan phase should be to secure management commitment which is crucial. Reduce operating costs, reduced exposure to rising energy costs, improved reliability and productivity, reduced environmental impact, improved corporate image, all in alignment with ISO 50001.
A plotted graph can help see what can be achieved by applied EnMS. Company management allocates the resources and assigns responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the EnMS, signs the energy policy and regularly reviews the internal energy team progress. The energy team amounts other responsibilities clearly defines the scope and boundaries of the system and reviews legal and other requirements that apply to energy use. Plan the changes required to improve energy performance. Set objectives and smart targets to continuously improve energy performance.
The Do phase, should implement the action plan drafted. Look at daily activities and continuously improve the organisations energy usage. In doing reviews training awareness and competence in the organisation, insured documentation and review control.
Review operational control, ensure energy efficiency is considered in the design process and during purchasing and procurements of all products, goods and services across the organisation. Lastly, consider applying life-cycle costing in the procurement of equipment.
The check phase, should be reviewed to see if energy performance is actually improving and energy savings are being made. If this is not the case, the reasons why should be looked at and taken correct action. Monitor and mature key characteristics of the Energy Management System. Evaluate legal or other compliance, review the energy performance indicators. Ensure measuring instruments are calibrated, conducting internal audits address non conformities and monitor energy performance for improvement.
The Act phase, is one that should help sustain and improve the system. The team should periodically conduct schedules management reviews to measure how successful the energy management system has been over the review period. Address barriers to success and problem areas within the Energy Management System. Continue to provide full support for the system and propose and agree on future plans for the next period.
Furthermore, when we are able to manage and control our energy consumption, this also helps us detect the necessities of the building and the various ways in which we can improve energy consumption thereon after.
Upgrading your appliances may play a huge role long term. This may be for example changing regular lights to LED lights.
Commercial buildings are often the ones with the highest lighting usage and replacing the bulbs may have a positive impact on the overall energy consumption.
Upgrading the HVAC system, any ventilation units whether that be heating or cooling. Older appliances usually consume a greater amount of energy. Replacing these for newer units can improve efficiency and also the overall quality of the air in the building. Also, energy management systems allow you regulate and control the heating or cooling for each space individually, this means that there wont be any waste of energy in other spaces where they are not being used.
Installing smart plugs may also be an efficient way to save energy. Appliances continue to consume energy for the period of time that they are plugged in, even when they are not in use.
An EPC assessment is an important part of this process. Normally an EPC is required after a property is sold or let out for rent. Nevertheless, this can also help evaluate the different ways in which a building can improve their current energy consumption. You may also look at the previous certificates for both your property and others in the area to assess how energy efficient yours is.
EPC assessments remain valid for a period of 10 years.
Passive design strategies could be a useful way to improve both the air quality and flow of the building and the temperature using natural ambient energy sources rather than purchased electricity or gas.
The design of this is evolved around having the right orientation of the building, using the right materials and landscaping.
Achieving low and zero-carbon buildings is another way to significantly reduce energy level consumption. By zero carbon we mean that all CO2 emissions had to be reduced to zero throughout the site. This accounts for both regulated (heating or lighting) and unregulated emissions (appliances) as an example.