LEVERS FOR DECARBONIZATION
HVAC upgrades: Heating and cooling systems account for as much as 40% of the
average commercial building's electricity consumption, and high-efficiency HVAC
equipment can cut that amount by 30% to 50% (EPA).
Install ENERGY STAR-certified appliances: ENERGY STAR gives its certification to
appliances and products that meet its rigorous energy efficiency standards. Click here
to see a full list of ENERGY STAR products for businesses.
Get an audit on your building(s): To get a thorough understanding of your building's
energy usage, you may want to get a professional energy audit from a certified
professional who will provide you with the guidance you need to make changes.
Make sure to get professionally certified inspectors with an ASHRAE or CEM
certification. Such inspectors can use thermal imaging tools to identify areas of your
facility that are losing energy through heat, which can help identify air leaks and
inefficient manufacturing equipment. They can also inspect your insulation, HVAC
system, and lighting systems.
Transition to Renewable Energy
Increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and
geothermal power to replace fossil fuels
Assessing Energy Needs: Businesses must first assess their energy consumption
patterns and potential for renewable energy integration. This involves:
Energy Audits: Evaluating current energy use to identify savings and
efficiency opportunities.
Renewable Energy Feasibility Studies: Determining the viability of different
renewable sources based on location, energy needs, and cost. There are
several forms that renewable energy generation can take. The most common
form is distributed energy resources (DERs), which include more localized
forms of generation (e.g., the solar panels your neighbor just installed on their
roof). Renewable energy generated on a mass scale by wind farms, solar
farms, or hydroelectric dams can be procured from an energy supplier or
harnessed in the form of renewable energy credits (RECs) or green tariffs.
Before your company can make the switch to renewable energy, you'll have to
decide which option is best for your portfolio and operations.
Sustainability & Energy Management Simplified
