Achieving renewable energy targets will involve increased deployment of some technologies, while phasing out others.  Amidst all of this discussion, a few words regarding another tool to reduce energy consumption and the associated pollutants while saving the energy consumer money may be spoken.  However, many may not realize this less flashy tool is available today and can result in lower emissions almost immediately.

The International Energy Association (IEA) identifies energy efficiency as an important fuel of the future.  Implementing existing energy efficiency strategies can deliver energy savings beyond current renewable energy capabilities with available technologies.

During the past decade, public awareness drove the market to produce energy conserving devices, such as efficient light bulbs and appliances, and incented policy makers to implement new building codes and labeling standards.  Despite these developments, the IEA cites a persisting underinvestment in efficiency practices which will allow consumers to maximize conservation potential.

As organizations seek to move beyond changing light bulbs and appliances to improve energy efficiency, the integrated building management framework allows for the monitoring and reallocation of energy consumption.  An integrated building management process achieves advanced efficiency measures by:

• Reducing wasteful energy use.  A building management platform tailored to specific a building portfolio identifies opportunities for energy cost reduction.  In a growing organization, these savings may delay facility expansion due to energy or cooling constraints.

• Removing operational barriers.  An effective energy management structure may improve power and cooling capacity to enable growth and avoid potential energy-related disruptions.

• Managing risk and streamlining compliance. Managing current energy consumption and efficiency gains aid in energy reduction mandates and policies.

Successful energy management improves visibility into the energy consumption of building portfolios while monitoring workload requirements. The building management framework addresses energy shortfalls and improves energy efficiency. When electric and thermal resources are considered together, energy managers can identify and address inefficiencies, such as capping power in underutilized sectors, or allocating more power elsewhere.  The insight into energy consumption and energy management tools can enable an organization or agency to realize significant reductions in energy consumption.

Rising energy prices, increased demand of existing capabilities, business growth, and federally mandated environmental considerations fuel the need for an effective energy management structure.  Managing a green and energy efficient infrastructure is not only important strategically, but will help meet operational goals and satisfy consumer expectations.

Coming Up Next:

Join us as we use a real life case study on how one company manages their global building energy costs.

Let Us Hear From You:

As always, please share your comments here.

Tim Fain is an Associate Partner and Service Area Leader within IBM’s Global Business Services Public Sector. Mr. Fain has more than 30 years of technical, managerial, and consulting experience. Specifically his experience involves developing organizational, economic development and environmental and energy sustainability strategies; improving business models and processes; and helping organizations develop transformation roadmaps. He uses his extensive knowledge of Federal regulatory and budgetary processes, e-Government principles and methodologies, and strategic planning to help public sector clients address policy, service, and transformational challenges.

Prior to joining IBM, Tim spent eight years at the Office of Management and Budget where he worked on a broad range of Federal government information technology and policy issues. A former US Navy Submarine Officer, Tim holds a BS in Metallurgical Engineering, a MA in National Security Studies, and a MPP in International Trade and Finance.

Tim Fain (tfain@us.ibm.com)

Chris Cafiero is a Senior Consultant in Public Sector Strategy and Change of IBM Global Business Services. Chris has experience in public sector consulting and completed a Masters degree in Public Policy focusing on Energy, Environmental, and Regulatory Policy. In addition, Chris has worked in energy market regulation and oversight for the Federal Government.

Chris Cafiero (cafieroc@us.ibm.com)

0 comments

Your name: *

E-mail: *

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Subject:

Write a comment...

Your comment will appear after administrative review.

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

What code is in the image?: *

Enter the characters shown in the image.

832 recommendations

Recommend this