{"id":86254,"date":"2018-10-24T15:55:41","date_gmt":"2018-10-24T13:55:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/?p=86254"},"modified":"2018-10-24T16:11:06","modified_gmt":"2018-10-24T14:11:06","slug":"reducing-costs-and-protecting-the-environment-how-does-energy-management-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/en\/reducing-costs-and-protecting-the-environment-how-does-energy-management-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Reducing Costs and Protecting the Environment: How Does Energy Management Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Energy costs are a serious issue for companies because prices for electricity, oil and gas are continuing to rise. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to use energy efficiently for lighting, machinery, equipment, heating, cooling and air conditioning. This not only saves money but also is good for the environment and the company\u2019s image. The best way to achieve the highest possible energy efficiency within the company is focused energy management.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cEnergy management is the proactive, organized and systematic coordination of procurement, conversion, distribution and use of energy to meet the requirements, taking into account environmental and economic objectives.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The definition in VDI Standard 4602 describes briefly, succinctly and precisely what the term \u201cenergy management\u201d means. Its practical implementation within a company takes place in several steps.<\/p>\n

1. Defining the objectives of energy management<\/h2>\n

To establish the right energy management concept for a business, it is first a matter of defining the objectives to be achieved. The most common overarching objectives include:<\/p>\n

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  • Reduce energy costs<\/li>\n
  • Contribute to environmental and climate protection and thereby also enhancing the company\u2019s image<\/li>\n
  • Maximum independence from external electric utility companies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Various more specific objectives can be assigned to these ones, such as reducing electricity costs by XX% or providing customers with proof of particularly low CO2<\/sub> emissions per unit\/product or of CO2<\/sub>-neutral production.<\/p>\n

    2. Recording the current energy situation<\/h2>\n

    Next, all power generators and electrical appliances are recorded. The most thorough way of doing this is in an energy audit by an expert. For a qualified energy audit, the auditor must examine and explain at least 90% of the total energy demand within the company. The data gathered may include generation data from the company\u2019s own PV systems or CHP plants, for example, as well as electricity and gas bills.<\/p>\n\n\t\t