36 / 80
Match usage
to
requirement
If you do not
need it do not
use it
Save 0-30%
Save 10-40%
Save 5-10%
Save up to 60%
Change
Behaviour
Operational
Efficiency
How can you save energy?
Equipment
Efficiency
Change
Technology
Improve
component
efficiency
New improved
Processes
What is energy efficiency?
The word energy efficiency is so often used - and confused: Simply
purchasing the latest and greatest technology does not mean you are
energy efficient.
The general definition for energy efficiency is understood as the
system boundary that lies between your energy input and your useful
work output (see
Figure 1
). It is similar to managing a bank account.
The budget is the financial boundary that lies between your deposits
and your expenses. Within the budget is where you control that
optimised use of your cash. View energy efficiency in the same way.
In many instances, South African organisations that embark on energy
efficiency purchase technologies and equipment before ensuring that
there is a department that understands how to define an approach
(energy boundary or budget) to work within the boundary of the
system. Only when an energy management system is in place can
a decision be made regarding what is required to ensure the optimal
performance of any investments, including technological investments.
This is how the energy industry is changing – finance and carbon tax
reductions, deductions and even investment financing will eventually
only be granted to those with an energy management system. Engi-
neers cannot hold accountants responsible for not investing in energy
efficiency without knowing that their investment is securely managed.
Why is energy efficiency internationally supported
as the preferred solution?
As regularly reported in respected journals, saving energy should be
approached in a constructive manner so that the system boundary
‘spending and wasting’ can be controlled by following the first steps
(see
Figure 2
).
•
Behavioural change:
Up to 30% savings – this would require min-
imal investment which could include continuous communication,
awareness and training at all levels within the organisation
•
Operational efficiency:
Between 10 - 40% savings – merely
identifying problem and energy waste areas and implementing and
managing corrective measures could require minimal investment
if managed by a trained professional
•
Equipment efficiency:
Between 5 - 10% savings – merely identi-
fying opportunities to improve efficiency of existing equipment and
implementing and managing this could require minimal investment
if managed by a trained professional
•
Technology changes:
Up to 60% savings – major investment
opportunities could be identified for these types of savings.
However, if it is not implemented and managed continuously by a
trained professional the ROI won’t be maximised and the savings
might be short-lived
The golden thread is the importance of managing the processes
through a trained professional as the options that need to be explored
can become complex, and the calculations to ensure the energy sav-
ings remain and improve need to be acquired and practised.
Changing the organogram for optimal
energy management
Y de Lange, EnergyTraining Foundation
What is interesting to note from the Ernst & Young survey quoted
(see page 35) is that, globally, organisations are indicating that
a formalised energy efficiency programme through an energy
management system is the way to go, ahead of many of the other
solutions mooted, such as generating your own power. The energy
management system will optimise energy efficiency programmes
through ensuring that proper skills and expertise can drive them
towards sustained competitiveness in your industry, on top of
saving energy.
Figure 2: The potential for energy saving, courtesy under licence to the
EnTF from the AEE CEM.
2
Figure 1: Energy management system verses an accounting system –
do you run a business without an accounting system?
Energy In
Useful work Out
System Boundary
(Eg Services, goods, processes)
ƞ
= 0.9
R =
budget
Accounting In
Useful work Out
Purchase
1.1 units
Useful work
1 unit
Income/Deposits
Your expenses
An industry that is competitive is an energy efficient industry. Energy
efficiency is no longer simply efficient devices – it entails understanding
your system, the way it operates, and how it can be optimised to be
efficient. This implies a rethink of how we do business, and it involves
all the people in your organisation. They are part of the system.
34
ENERGY EFFICIENCY MADE SIMPLE 2015