| Reduce Utility Bills With Retail Energy Management |
| Written by Daniel Stouffer | |
| Friday, 12 June 2009 | |
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With the U.S. Congress set to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, many store owners are focusing on retail energy management to improve energy efficiency. The bill calls for lower carbon emissions, a cap and trade program for certain industries, and dependence on renewable energy sources for 25% of energy use by 2020. The measure also sets energy efficiency standards for a large number of companies.
With the U.S. Congress set to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, many store owners are focusing on retail energy management to improve energy efficiency. The bill calls for lower carbon emissions, a cap and trade program for certain industries, and dependence on renewable energy sources for 25% of energy use by 2020. The measure also sets energy efficiency standards for a large number of companies. The U.S. and several foreign governments are considering some mandatory retail energy management standards to reduce global warming. Scientific research shows that utility usage, including electricity, heating oil and other fuels, emit greenhouse gases that have the potential to cause adverse climate change. 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 tell us that the average service restaurant can enjoy a 4% increase in net profit margins, if it reduces its energy needs by 10%. An average supermarket could realize a 16% increase in net profit due to a 10% energy consumption reduction. The savings should be used to pay for asset management software, as this can assist retailers to help them identify, maintain, track and report their equipment and usage. 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. Retail energy management creates a comprehensive energy saving operation for one or multiple retail locations. It is particularly beneficial for any size and type of facility with a HVAC, extensive lighting, or refrigeration units installed. By controlling energy use, you can optimize the efficiency of equipment and other operational assets and significantly reduce operational costs. The Article Author: Daniel Stouffer has a lot of data on the need for retail energy managementand how the refrigerant-tracker can benefit you. |
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