This is a vital step in understanding your energy usage, setting targets for reducing that usage, and managing
and monitoring everything you do to save energy, save money and secure the future. If you can’t measure it,
how do you know if you’re succeeding and how well?
For companies directly affected by the government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment they will be required
by law to report their energy usage and their consumption will be published in a league table – showing the
highest energy consumers. Those whose energy usage is too high will then be required to buy Carbon Credits
at £12 per tonne of CO2. For those organisations that produce lower CO2 emissions, there will be rewards in
positive PR and the ability to sell their excess Carbon Credits at a profit.
The CRC begins in October 2008 and for those who have already installed an Automated Monitoring and Targeting
System (AM&T) and have begun to reduce their carbon emissions there is an ‘Early Action Metric’ that will enable
them to gain points on the league tables. For more detailed information please see our Environmental Updates.
Measurement is best when it is holistic and comprehensive – ensuring all energy and resource usage in a facility,
or across all facilities under review. It needs to be real-time, automated, and preferably generate information that
alerts you to take action. It therefore needs to be easy to use and understand, and be shared and communicated
easily, and used to educate and empower staff and stakeholders. Your energy measurement system must be
adaptable to new legislation and changes in your facilities. It should also have a means of recording your data,
and be used to easily generate reports. You can then also use your data to compare to historical trends and to
industry standards, advertise your success and motivate everyone involved. |
