Energy management
The problem
Hotel and catering companies without a proper energy-management programme could be wasting a lot more money than they imagine. This is particularly true of organisations with multiple sites, remotely managed. How can operators manage their energy better and cut costs?
Expert advice
Energy must be measured before it can be managed. Many companies think this is difficult and expensive, especially for remote sites.
Measuring energy can be a very cost-effective and simple procedure, as many outlets will already have half-hourly metering facilities installed for electricity, gas and water meters. These will enable data from these meters to be collected off-site - something that an energy management adviser can do.
Even if premises do not have half-hourly meters, then a network of sub-metering can be easily installed and again data can be collected remotely using existing telephone lines. From there, it is a simple step to analyse the metered data, which can be done very cost-effectively. This is the start of an effective energy-management programme. Software tools are available that show energy consumption in a clear and simple format.
If there is a comprehensive system of meters and sub-meters, close comparisons can be made between similar outlets, and even individual appliances. Managers need to see which outlets are using most energy and water to produce similar output.
There is a big demand for "normalised" data in the catering and hospitality industry. Managers want to know what is normal consumption for their type of establishment and staffing levels. Energy advisers will help them to work out these factors and then set benchmarks for all outlets to work towards.
Accurate measurement and prediction of energy use has other benefits for hospitality operators. Utility companies also like it because the customer can give them a guaranteed consumption profile. When the utility company buys electricity from a generator, it wants to know that its customers will actually use the expected amount of power. Otherwise, the utility is penalised if it cannot resell the electricity it has bought. The utility company will often be willing to negotiate a good price with its customer - if it, in return, can demonstrate good control of the electricity it uses.
Beware!
The issue of energy efficiency in the UK will be given higher priority in the future, with particular focus on businesses and the energy savings they can make. Already, the Climate Change Levy taxes your fossil fuel energy use. The Government is committed to a 20% reduction (from 1990 levels) in carbon dioxide emissions to be achieved by 2010.
Companies in the UK may be eligible for a rebate from the levy if they invest in energy-saving and management programmes. Investing sooner rather than later will not only bring cost savings, but benefits in other areas, for instance enhanced corporate reputation.
Check list
- Establish an energy-saving policy within your organisation and make someone responsible for managing it.
- Ensure your metering system is comprehensive and regularly monitored.
- Set consumption targets.
- Publish and distribute performance figures regularly across your organisation.
- Make energy management part of your daily activity.
- Don't rely on estimates - they can be based only on historical usage and may not reflect what is happening now.
- Don't rely on control systems alone to manage your usage - settings can drift and/or be overridden.
Contacts
Siemens Metering
Gary Wilcock
0115 906 6000
gary.wilcock@siemens.co.uk
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has more information on official Climate Change policies:http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/index.htm
