Key Points
- Energy Management should not be confused with the cost of energy.
- Improved energy management within a business can reduce business overheads, improve cash flow, shareholder return, deliver competitive advantage, release funds for further business investment, and help retain staff.
- Better Energy Management will help demonstrate a business’ Corporate Social Responsibility credentials.
- Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations compliance requirements are mandatory for business with certain workforce levels, financial turnover, or balance sheet values.
- Energy Management can be achieved through Energy Audits, adoption and certification to ISO 50001 which both lead to better energy awareness amongst staff.
Why is Energy Management Important?
As a country the UK still imports over 45% of its energy based on 2015 data. Energy is not a ‘free’ resource and anything that can be done to reduce energy spend will be beneficial for a business.
Having an effective energy management system which is straightforward and simply understood will assist all parts of a business better understand its costs, and through that better understand how to better competitively manage its future business activities. The cost of energy, whether for vehicle fuels, conditioning buildings, supporting a manufacturing or service process, continues to be a significant drain and constraint on improving business profitability and competitive edge.
How can better Energy Management be achieved?
Energy Audits
Adoption of International Standards, such as ISO 50001:2011
Better Management and Staff awareness
An effective Energy measurement, Energy monitoring, and Energy oversight regime