Energy Management Best Practices and Career Opportunities

Energy Management Best Practices

Challenges in Facilities & Energy Management

• Facilities should be operational, safe, secure, attractive, and comfortable.
• Control costs through conservation of energy, water, and waste.
• Lack of understanding of energy management.
• Minimize pollution and ensure compliance.
• Engage organizational leadership and staff.

Categories of Energy Management Best Practices

1. Management: Focus on energy-efficient building operation and the big picture.
2. Teamwork: Energy-efficient building operation is a collaborative effort.
3. Resources: Utilize information to save time and money.
4. Energy-Efficient Operations & Maintenance (O&M): Expand the preventive maintenance program.

Best Practices for Energy Management

1. Goals: Establish goals for energy-efficient building operations as part of strategic planning.

   • Include senior management to understand efficient operation's value.
   • Support goals for Facilities departments.

2. Planning: Develop an Energy Management Plan that emphasizes energy-efficient operations and investments.

   • Focus on clean energy purchasing and operating existing equipment efficiently.
   • Create a written plan that includes fuel purchasing and equipment replacement strategies.

3. Energy Audit, Accounting & Reporting: Conduct energy audits to provide a foundation for energy management.

   • Set realistic energy savings goals and track progress.
   • Document energy saving strategies and areas for O&M improvement.

Engaging the Organization

• Drive technological, behavioral, and organizational changes necessary for energy management success.

Teamwork in Energy Management

1. Staffing: Employ a skilled staff member dedicated to energy management.

   • Provide professional training and define energy management job functions.
   • Collaborate with a contracting representative for financing options.

2. Training: Train building operations staff in energy-efficient practices.

   • Develop personalized training plans including in-house resources and external opportunities.
   • Implement Energy Management Systems (EMS) training for relevant staff.

3. Outsourcing: Ensure service contracts support energy-efficient operations and maintenance.

   • Hold service contractors accountable for maintenance efficiency.

4. Partnerships: Recognize energy-efficient operations as a cross-functional activity.

   • Train users on proper operation of energy-consuming devices to reduce issues and enhance savings.
   • Provide reminders and conduct audits to identify equipment that can be turned off.

ENERGY STAR Program

• Aims to save costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency in buildings.
• Encourages organizations to benchmark and improve energy performance through guidelines.

Energy Management Standards

• ISO 50001: An international standard to integrate energy management into overall organizational efforts.
  • Framework includes developing energy policies, fixing targets, improving energy usage understanding, and continual improvement.

Tools for Energy Management

• Equip O&M staff with diagnostic tools to troubleshoot energy wastage.

Energy Audits

• Perform comprehensive audits for actionable insights on building operation efficiency.

Career Opportunities in Energy Management

• Jobs typically require a four-year accredited degree, and many energy professionals hold certifications such as:
  1. Certified Energy Manager (CEM®)
  2. Energy Manager in Training (EMIT)
  3. Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)
  4. Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP®)
  5. Certified Green Building Engineer (GBE®)
  6. Business Energy Professional (BEP®)
  7. Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional (CLEP®)
  8. Certified Power Quality Professional (CPQ®)
  9. Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP®)
  10. Distributed Generation Certified Professional (DGCP®)

Role of Energy Manager

• Coordinate energy management efforts, from carbon dioxide reduction to sustainable development.
• Responsibilities include:
  • Developing and implementing energy-saving strategies.
  • Negotiating energy contracts and providing technical advice.
  • Conducting energy surveys and keeping accurate monitoring records.

Salary Expectations for Energy Managers

• The median expected salary for an Energy Manager is around $97,342 per annum, with various factors affecting this figure.

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Program

• A certification that assesses candidates' qualifications in energy management.
  • Requires degrees in relevant fields and necessary experience in energy engineering or management.