Energy Solutions - STOP! LOOK! LISTEN!

Energy management is a crowded marketplace with a variety of messages and value propositions made by a motley group of various interests, technologies and consultants. It isn’t simple. There is a wide range of buying motivations that will greatly impact how a company looks at energy management and what value proposition they are looking for. How is anyone supposed to make sense of all of it?

Here’s an idea…a phrase from my childhood where I lived across the street from a busy railroad track: Stop. Look. And Listen.

STOP!

That may seem like an odd first step, but there is a method to the madness. Chances are, in your company there are a variety of individual efficiency projects that are going on in quiet corners of almost every facility. The marketing department, looking for a new P.R. campaign that shows the company is concerned about the environment, is trying to push through a solar array on any building that it can take pictures of and distribute through newswires. Every day, lighting contractors are trying to create an ROI for installing new efficient lighting while HVAC contractors are trying to create an ROI for an upgrade, and there are plenty of solar companies out there happy to talk with your marketing wizards.

Pushing through all of those requests for individual projects overwhelms an already over-burdened purchasing department. They compete for dollars with Operations who is asking for money to upgrade production equipment that will increase productivity and/or lower unit cost. The constant barrage of “saving energy” projects eventually dulls the senses and devalues an important message. Most importantly, in the world of carbon accounting – efficiencies gained prior to the creation of an energy baseline are lost forever. That is what is called “Leaving dollars on the table.”

LOOK!

The most recent studies by energy management thinkers are finding that most companies would benefit from a holistic approach to energy management. A recent study by Groom Energy found that “No single energy management system meets all needs.” It is also important to look outside of your company to see what your competition is doing. Many companies now see the benefits of energy management as a competitive edge with regards to cost, risk and good P.R. (see last month’s article for more on that). Opportunity costs must also be calculated – what is the cost of doing nothing? Taking a look at all of these items will help you make better energy management decisions for yourself and your company.

LISTEN!

Listen to your employees. They want the company to succeed and may have good ideas that simply need attention, direction and data. Listen to your customers. Those that don’t care about sustainability and the environment won’t change their buying patterns regardless. Those that do care vote with their pocketbook – strongly. Listen to a trusted advisor – like Telamon. Our flexible, holistic approach will ensure the right results for your company. 

-Mark Brown

Channel & Business Development
Telamon Energy Solutions