How to measure saved energy? Measurement and verification of energy efficiency projects
A proper answer to this seemingly simple question is nothing but simple. Proper measurement and verification of achieved savings is a key factor when calculating payback period, IRR for an investment into energy efficiency project and any other in-company ratio. Effectively, M&V may mean a difference between energy efficiency project being named a financial winner or a [...]
What is the payback period for this energy efficiency project?
Another email (call, booklet) offers you an energy efficiency measure with a 12 months payback period. Can this be true? Assessing actual savings delivered by an energy efficiency measure only seems to be a straightforward job. To avoid disappointment after implementation manager must understand utility bill structure and tariff options. Use of average cost per kWh may [...]
Why energy efficiency projects do NOT have to be immediately profitable to be accepted
When my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer he quit smoking at once. He meant to do this for years, but just "could not". When he could not breath anymore, all other "could-nots" became irrelevant. As a planet we are now still smoking through billions of stacks and exhaust pipes. We "can't afford" to stop. In fact we [...]
Why modern economy strives to build electricity generation facilities instead of conserving energy?
It’s long been known that reducing electricity use through efficiency is cheaper than having to generate more power to meet rising demand. A recent reportfrom the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy puts numbers behind that claim. “Why build more expensive power plants when efficiency gives you more bang for your buck?" said Maggie Molina, author of the council’s report. “Investing [...]
An easy way to find the low hanging fruit of energy savings
Finding energy saving opportunities can be fun if done right. It can be enjoyable and productive. Direct and indirect business benefits typically result from noticing where energy can be used better or used less: at industrial setting energy is meant to be used to produce something by powering machinery, when machinery does not produce the product it is being worn [...]
Why Energy Efficiency is important?
The cleanest energy is the one we do not use. Therefore energy efficiency is the cleanest source of energy available today. Due to the losses between energy generation and consumption every $1 invested in energy efficiency allows to avoid investing $3 at generation. Through efficiency we can effectively have energy with no pollution at all. Nova Scotia Efficiency has come [...]
Analysis of natural gas consumption at Weston Bakery revealed saving opportunities
GreenQ Partners analyzed natural gas consumption at Weston Bakery Sudbury. This article presents partial simplified results of this analysis. Gas was metered at oven level at uneven monthly billing intervals; production was reported every 28 days; weather data was provided by NASA on a daily basis. We visited bakery to link numbers to actual production procedures and processes. [...]