Energy monitoring and targeting is an energy efficiency technique based on the standard management axiom stating that you cannot manage what you cannot measure.
Monitoring and targeting techniques provide energy managers with feedback on operating practices, results of energy management projects, and guidance on the level of energy use that is expected in a certain period. Importantly, they also give early warning of unexpected excess consumption caused by equipment malfunctions, operator error, unwanted user behaviours, lack of effective maintenance and the like.
Understanding Energy Monitoring
What is energy monitoring?
Energy monitoring is a process of collecting, analysing and measuring all information related to energy consumption in a facility or building.
This information includes data on the amount of energy used, consumption patterns, associated costs, among others.
Energy monitoring can be carried out through real-time monitoring systems, periodic readings or by analysing energy bills. It can also include tracking other factors, such as temperature, humidity or air quality, which can affect energy consumption.
Main objectives of energy monitoring
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Identify and explain excessive energy use
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Detect instances when consumption is unexpectedly higher or lower than would usually have been the case
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Visualise energy consumption trends (daily, weekly, seasonal and operational)
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Determine future energy use and costs when planning changes in the business
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Diagnose specific areas of wasted energy
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Observe how changes to relevant driving factors impact energy efficiency
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Develop performance targets for energy management programs
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Manage energy consumption, rather than accept it as a fixed cost
Benefits of Energy Monitoring
Growing concern for the environment and the need for efficient use of resources has led businesses to implement sustainable measures in their operations. In this sense, energy monitoring has become an indispensable tool for tracking and controlling energy consumption in a business.
In addition to contributing to the care of the planet, energy monitoring also offers important economic benefits, such as reduced energy bill costs and increased competitiveness in the market in both the short and long term.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Pinpoint energy waste, identify saving opportunities in real time, and reduce costs with device level monitoring
Reduced Operational Cost
Improve operational efficiencies and reduce total cost of operations through the use of more granular level operational data
Improve Sustainability Reporting
Use historical device level data across the entire energy portfolio to report on environmental impact and sustainability measures and objectives
Preventative Maintenance
Avoid downtime while ensuring efficiency and effectiveness by optimising preventative and condition-based maintenance needs
Energy monitoring implementation process
The process of implementing energy monitoring can be different depending on the type of system used and the specific needs of each case, but generally follows the following steps:
01
Site assessment
This involves a detailed assessment of existing installations, including equipment, lighting, heating, air-conditioning and other systems, to understand how energy is being used and where improvements can be made.
02
System design
Based on the initial review, the type of energy monitoring system to be used is defined and a detailed implementation plan is drawn up.
03
Equipment installation
Once the design is complete, the installation of the equipment needed to perform the monitoring, such as energy meters, sensors and other devices, is carried out.
04
System configuration
The monitoring system is configured to collect and analyse energy consumption data in real time.
05
System testing
Tests are conducted to ensure that the system is functioning properly and that accurate data is being recorded.
06
Data analysis
Once the system is up and running, analysis of the data collected is initiated to identify energy usage patterns and possible areas for improvement.
07
Implementation of improvements
Based on the results of the analysis, energy efficiency measures are identified and implemented to optimise energy consumption.
08
Follow-up and maintenance
Once improvements have been implemented, energy consumption is continuously monitored to ensure that the expected savings are being achieved and the monitoring system is regularly maintained to ensure that it is working properly.
Sustainability and reputation through energy monitoring
Energy monitoring as a fundamental part of business operations
Through energy monitoring we promote a more responsible and efficient use of energy resources in business operations.
Energy monitoring is a fundamental instrument to achieve sustainability objectives, as it allows us to make decisions based on data and evidence and to carry out concrete actions to reduce the environmental impact.
Regulations & reputation
Government energy regulations and norms impose certain obligations and requirements that companies must achieve. Conversely, if companies cannot meet these requirements, they could face penalties and fines.
On the other hand, energy monitoring allows companies to increase their social responsibility by being a company that does not affect the planet through its operations. Apart from contributing to the environment, this opens up new opportunities to collaborate with companies that are in the same direction.
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