It’s such a busy time of year – rushing around, buying presents, parties and generally preparing for  Christmas. But it is all well worth it. Then afterwards we fall into slump and hibernate, for January at least.

Just like ESOS and other European energy efficiency auditing schemes under the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about see our blog here).

You’ve (hopefully) been busily carrying out your energy audits. And it is now tempting to sit back and feel your work is done. But you wouldn’t cook your Christmas dinner and then skip straight to your nap without eating it (I might be carrying this metaphor to far – but stay with me).

ESOS/other EED schemes are a great opportunity for your business – you just have to embrace it. Rather than burying your head in the sand, see this as an opportunity to make your organisation more energy efficient.

Setting your New Year’s resolutions

The first step is to plan – what are you going to do before the next set of audits are due in four years? Which of the recommendations are you going to take forward to improve the energy efficiency of your sites and fleet? What have the challenges been with this set of audits?

All I want for Christmas – data, data, data

Has accurate data gathering been a challenge for you? Measurement is the foundation of effective energy management. As the old adage goes: “you can’t manage what you can’t measure and you can’t improve what you can’t manage”. It’s definitely worth reviewing data management solutions and looking at automated metering.

Secret Santa – What is in it for you?

With a wide range of software energy platforms available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the one that best suits your business needs. Some platforms may offer simple metering capture, whilst other solutions provide detailed analysis and integration with wider sustainability performance. Experience has shown that it is worthwhile considering first how the software and the data gathered are going to be used rather than looking for a quick fix.

Elf on the shelf

Don’t underestimate the benefits behaviour change can have on your energy consumption. It can be a very cost effective way to make efficiencies. But identifying where efficiencies can be made, targeting communications and creating effective campaigns can be a challenge.

What’s on the shopping list?

Unsure where to start? The energy hierarchy can help you to set the right priorities. Assess what is feasible and implement improvement measures as part of your energy management plan by:

• saving energy,
• making it more efficient,
• switching to renewables…
• ...and then low emission technologies,
• before you use conventional energy solutions as a last resort.

Figure 1: Energy Hierarchy

Santa’s little elves

Your energy audit shouldn’t just be about compliance with ESOS and the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. Your energy audit should give your organisation the opportunity to reduce your environmental footprint and reduce costs.

With our broad range of skills – from strategy development, software application and footprinting to communications and behaviour change we can help you turn your energy audit into real benefits.

Want to talk turkey?  Please contact our UK Energy lead, Jono Adams.