Large industrials: serious engagement for deep savings

Panel: 1. Programmes to promote industrial energy efficiency

Authors:
Gary Epstein, Energy & Resource Solutions (ERS), USA
Lucy Neiman, ERS, USA
Mark D'Antonio, ERS, USA
Jeffrey Perkins, ERS, USA

Abstract

For large commercial and industrial accounts, where energy efficiency opportunities are indeed substantial, serious and meaningful engagement can lead to significant savings. The key is to engage customers in an efficiency planning process that secures savings through commitment to specific energy efficiency targets.

For the large organizations, the roadblock to implementation is not always money or interest; it is often more structural in nature. They need an outside force to bring all the pieces together and secure agreement within and across the organization itself. Numerous examples in North America have shown that engagement of the organization by involving senior executives with facilities personnel and key stakeholders together in dialogue, supported by meaningful technical assistance provided by the intervening party, can yield committed long-term savings. Whether in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or some form of master plan, such agreements often align with corporate sustainability mandates and provide a streamlined process for readily incorporating efficiency into corporate goals and methods.

At the core, these plans lay out energy and demand savings goals, measures to be pursued, technical support to be provided, verification procedures, and enhanced incentive structures. This paper will discuss targeted outreach, MOUs, master plans, and outside technical assistance designed to deliver meaningful value for all parties to achieve deep, persistent savings and effectively institutionalize efficiency efforts at the target account.