Rising energy costs and increased awareness of global warming are causing businesses to become more focused on how they use energy. In the United States, commercial and residential buildings operations account for approximately 40% of all energy consumption. Compared to a typical, limited management approach, a well managed building or campus energy infrastructure can reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions by 30% or more. Additionally, on average, a “Green” building reduces water consumption by 40% and waste by 70%.
A systems approach is needed to fully integrate and manage the elements of the Energy Value Chain. The more comprehensive and dynamic the management of these elements, the more savings and environmental benefits can be realized. While timely capital investments are essential, over the long-term, up to 80 percent of the cost savings from an effective energy management program can be attributed to Operations & Maintenance practices.
A systems approach addresses the linkages and interactions among the elements of the Energy Value Chain and responds to real-time environmental and energy market conditions as well as building occupancy to achieve optimum performance.
System Integration
