From the pages of Images Retail (May 2009)

Implementing a disciplined process of energy saving
By SL Prabha, marketing leader, Emerson Climate Technologies - Retail Solutions

Energy is a scarce resource. Fortunately, concerned professionals in the electrical, environmental, energy, government, private sectors and institutions have collaborated in developing well-researched techniques for a disciplined approach to implementation. As expected, commercial businesses will look at the ROI of such investments. Several independent studies have shown that payback periods as well as ROI make energy-saving techniques a highly attractive proposition, and the soft benefits create goodwill within and outside the company.

Chances are, the awareness level on energy management in most establishments does not touch the levels of awareness reached by, say, quality control.

But, given today’s economic downturn, chances are, establishments are looking at their electricity bills closely to save what they can and keep it from escalating.

What processes and technologies are available to companies to achieve energy-savings? Key among the several measures that would be required is the creation of an “energy mentality” within the organisation.

Senior executives should impose energy and sustainability targets at project/design stage just as financial targets are applied and review regularly at the operational stage. These measures should be presented to shareholders, explaining the derived short and long-term value. Thankfully, several advanced procedures, techniques and products are available to achieve such sustainability objectives.

Sustainability starts at design stage. Choosing the right equipment, proper installation and setting it to the right operational parameters are important first steps for an energy-conscious organisation...

To read more, subscribe to the magazine.