Can We Cut Down Enterprise Energy Expenses?

Energy Business Review | Friday, January 21, 2022

By forming a cohesive link between software technology and energy management, managers obtain a valuable tool to reduce costs and monitor the company's energy expenses.

Most employees use the company's resources without a second thought if it is important. All flip of the switch is taken lightly without considering the complex energy grid and the organogram of the network behind it. Nevertheless, plant maintenance teams, assets, utilities, and facility managers are aware of the enormous costs that accompany energy.

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

But, the vital role it enacts in the smooth functioning of industrial plants and commercial facilities is also recognized. With energy costs escalating, energy consumption has turned the key focus. The software technology sector has been helping in determining a solution for the issue. To give managers a valuable tool to monitor energy usage and curb significant expenses.

Modern Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solutions optimize quality insights from energy monitoring in organizations. With applications in global asset durability and overall equipment effectiveness, the answers can leverage data insights, make well-informed decisions, and plan proactive maintenance of the assets to extend the lifecycle of the valuable equipment.

A smart building or a facility functions highly through a digitalized network of solutions and equipment. These are intended to monitor, control, and manage the mechanical, electrical, lighting, and several other systems in the building. So, yes, the goal is to achieve an enhanced efficiency but not at the cost of sacrificing comfort or convenience.

There are numerous options in EAM for the industrial and commercial buildings to incorporate, varying from HVAC and piping to security, physical and electrical infrastructure. Assets involve overhead doors and elevators to complex machines and industrial equipment.

Combining these systems into a centralized viewpoint achieves real-time visibility into status and condition and helps stakeholders make well-informed decisions. In addition, it showcases the interdependent processes that influence each other.

Check Out This: PolyCharge

Reducing Energy Waste with Global Asset Sustainability:

By sectioning the waste areas into four parts, major companies can now focus on curbing all excess and reviewing their asset performance. This method is called Global Asset Sustainability (GAS). GAS can be employed to enable visibility and control over the organization's requisites to eliminate improper energy practices.

The elements that form the foundation of GAS are:

Availability is a major asset for serving the organization as intended. Increasing uptime is the primordial goal for maintenance, facilities, and asset management. If production and facility assets are inaccessible, the company is hobbled in its capacity to produce revenue and effectively help tenants, patients, and constituents.

Performance is a quality that considers the characteristics and working of equipment or the operation speed of the equipment when compared to the same theoretical specifications for the same operation. During the allocation of capital investments, decisions rest on the performance ratings. To satisfy financial goals in cost and revenue terms, both assets must achieve their best, most likely suitable to that rating.

Quality of output following the impact of the operations has a serial connection to the organization's margin and the potential to execute its mission. Irrespective of whether it possesses a retail store holding optimal conditions for driving consumer buying. By keeping humidity at a precise level where machinery and people can cohesively work, or by guaranteeing consistency in production equipment to put out the product at or above the normal specification.

Energy consumption has transformed into an integral asset performance component and is increasingly expensive. However, the asset's energy consumption may overhaul with time, based on operation and maintenance conditions, which may cut costs.

Judging an Asset's Performance with its' Sustainability Index:

An EAM-based facilities management system watches the consumption of energy. It assists an organization in analyzing a holistic picture of an asset's performance, efficiency, value, operational impact, and Return on Investment (ROI). For example, a company functioning across 50 plants may be equipped with a usual outdated facilities management system that malfunctions are offering bad quality results. However, any legacy solution may depict the HVAC system operating within acceptable limits.

Correctly speaking, the chiller or the cooler used in the facility consumes excess energy than expected. Because the equipment runs with an unbalanced output for numerous after-hours and during the entire weekend, even though the demands barely exist. The misuse of the equipment added with extra stress could decrease the life expectancy of the machinery, pushing it over the border of a breakdown.

Steps such as making automated adjustments in the temperature levels, bringing the additional units to work only when required, and monitoring performance costs, including energy consumption, will provide a genuinely multi-dimensional idea. With enhanced operations, opportunities for achieving savings will transform into a task conducted with ease.

Actionable Advice:

When enterprises create smart decisions about assets and management of facilities, energy costs are reduced and assist in providing more profit. Trusting an EAM-based facilities management system will highlight the holistic view of the facility infrastructure. Still, it will also offer real insights necessary for the stakeholders to know.

After gaining the upper hand, the AEM system can play a critical role as assets are purchased, commissioned, operated, maintained, and even retired. The investments in the latest software solutions should be considered and carried out now to leverage the most gains. An EAM-based facilities management system can help align the asset infrastructure with the needs of businesses and financial bottom lines.

 

More in News

The oil and gas sector, a fundamental component of the global economy, is facing significant technological, environmental, and financial challenges. As the push for sustainability and decarbonization becomes increasingly prevalent, companies need to provide innovative solutions that satisfy global energy needs while maintaining competitiveness in the industry. The oil and gas sector faces a great challenge in promoting environmental sustainability because of its significant contribution to climate change, especially greenhouse gas emissions. The industry is urged to adopt cleaner technologies and shift energy production and consumption to reduce its carbon footprint. This includes investing in renewable energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and reducing emissions from extraction, transportation, and processing. The sector still faces a significant challenge in balancing energy production with environmental impact. The oil and gas industry is fast-paced, constantly developing new tools and techniques that improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. However, these rapid changes often bring new complications and risks. Introducing automation, artificial intelligence, and digital twins to current infrastructure is daunting. Moreover, cybersecurity issues pose a threat to safeguarding sensitive data while keeping critical infrastructure intact. Therefore, it requires long-term investment and vigilance. The oil and gas sector is highly challenged by fluctuating oil prices, which are influenced by geopolitical tensions, changes in global demand, and natural disasters. Companies must diversify their portfolios, invest in resilient infrastructure, and develop agile business models to adapt to this unpredictability. Such uncertainty requires financial and operational flexibility for survival and growth in the industry. The industry needs more labor in the current scenario due to the ever-increasing requirement for skilled workers who will manage advanced systems and technologies. Therefore, training programs for attracting and retaining talent in the industry have to be developed along with collaboration with educational institutions so that an adequately prepared workforce is provided for the future. Regulatory and political factors characterize much of the oil and gas services sector. Governments worldwide are starting to enforce stiffer environmental regulations, mainly carbon pricing and emissions cutbacks, compelling corporations to amend their plans and procedures. Political unrest in many regions also hampers investment and continuous operations. Balancing strict regulations with profit is a tightrope for most oil and gas service businesses. This oil and gas service industry stands at a critical juncture. The sector encounters many grand challenges, such as environmental concerns, technological integration, market volatility, workforce shortages, and regulatory hurdles, which present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and long-term growth. As the world transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, the oil and gas services sector must adapt and change to remain indispensable in the global energy picture. ...Read more
Fremont, CA:  Energy consulting firms provide specialized guidance to help companies navigate the complexities of environmental laws and regulations. While their main objective is to enhance energy efficiency and lower costs, they also play a crucial role in helping businesses meet environmental compliance standards. With their in-depth knowledge of various regulatory frameworks, energy consultants help organizations develop strategies that align with these regulations and minimize their ecological impact. Energy consultants play a crucial role in helping businesses achieve environmental compliance by offering comprehensive services. Key areas of support include regulatory analysis, where consultants keep businesses informed of the latest environmental regulations, assess potential areas of non-compliance, and develop corrective strategies. They also conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for new projects or expansions, ensuring potential environmental effects are identified and mitigated. Businesses can reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint with energy audits, another critical service. Consultants assist in calculating and reducing carbon emissions by implementing energy-efficient technologies and purchasing renewable energy credits. They are also instrumental in preparing sustainability reports, which accurately reflect a company's environmental practices and progress toward sustainability goals. Furthermore, energy consultants provide compliance training to ensure employees are well-versed in environmental regulations and best practices. Working with an energy consultant offers numerous benefits, including expert guidance on navigating complex environmental regulations and identifying energy-saving opportunities that can lead to significant cost savings. Moreover, energy consultants help mitigate risks associated with non-compliance, thereby avoiding costly fines and penalties. A commitment to environmental sustainability, supported by an energy consultant, can also enhance a business’s reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and provide a competitive edge in the marketplace. Selecting the right energy consultant requires careful consideration of several vital factors. Experience is paramount; a consultant with a proven track record in energy efficiency and environmental compliance is essential. Their expertise in energy audits, renewable energy, and regulatory compliance should also be thoroughly evaluated. Equally important is the consultant's approach, which should be collaborative and results-driven, allowing them to work closely with the client's team to develop tailored solutions. Obtaining references from previous clients is crucial to assess the consultant's capabilities and performance history. As environmental regulations evolve, businesses must proactively ensure compliance and safeguard their reputation. Energy consultants play a crucial role in guiding organizations through the complexities of environmental law and supporting their sustainability objectives. By leveraging the expertise of these consultants, businesses can fulfill their regulatory obligations and contribute to a more sustainable future. ...Read more
Breakthroughs in natural gas storage technologies are transforming the landscape of energy storage and distribution. New developments in underground, compressed, liquefied, and adsorption storage methods enhance both efficiency and sustainability in the natural gas sector. Underground natural gas storage remains the most widely used method for storing natural gas, involving gas injection into porous rock formations, salt caverns, or depleted oil and gas reservoirs. Although this method has been used for a long time, innovations have significantly improved its efficiency and safety. Integrating advanced monitoring systems allows for real-time data collection, helping detect potential leaks and optimize storage processes. Enhanced geological modeling and simulation techniques have also increased storage efficiency by improving the understanding of rock formations and gas flow, maximizing storage capacity, and extending the life of underground storage systems. Compressed natural gas involves storing natural gas at high pressures within specially designed containers. Recent breakthroughs in this field focus on the materials used to construct these storage tanks. Using lightweight, high-strength composite materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass-reinforced composites has significantly improved storage capacity while reducing the weight of tanks. These innovations make CNG storage systems more efficient and cost-effective. Advances in pipeline technology and compression systems are enhancing the distribution of compressed natural gas, allowing for more efficient and widespread delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial users. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage involves cooling natural gas to very low temperatures to convert it into a liquid form, reducing its volume significantly. Innovations in LNG storage include improved cryogenic tank designs and materials that enhance the thermal efficiency of storage systems. Vacuum-insulated and double-walled tanks reduce heat transfer and minimize gas loss during storage. Floating LNG platforms have also emerged, allowing for offshore liquefaction, storage, and transportation of LNG, which reduces reliance on costly onshore infrastructure. In addition, small-scale LNG storage solutions are gaining popularity, offering cost-effective and flexible options for areas without access to large pipeline networks. Absorption storage is a newer method that utilizes porous materials, such as activated carbon or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), to store natural gas at lower pressures and temperatures. MOFs have demonstrated significant potential due to their ability to store substantial amounts of gas compactly. Using these high-capacity adsorbents could lead to more efficient and cost-effective storage systems. ...Read more
Fremont, CA:  The Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) processes play a vital role in executing large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, such as power plants, refineries, transportation systems, and water treatment facilities. Advanced software solutions like Building Information Modeling (BIM), enable stakeholders to create detailed 3D models that enhance planning, design refinement, and conflict resolution. Recently, several significant trends have surfaced in the EPC sector. Cloud-based project management platforms streamline communication among project teams, suppliers, and contractors, leading to improved coordination and faster decision-making. With climate change becoming a pressing concern, EPC projects now incorporate eco-friendly practices and renewable energy solutions. From integrating solar panels and wind turbines into infrastructure designs to implementing green building techniques and utilizing recycled materials, sustainability is increasingly becoming a core consideration in EPC projects.  Supply chain resilience has arisen as a critical trend in EPC. Many companies are now prioritizing local sourcing, establishing strategic partnerships with reliable vendors, and leveraging digital tools. The adoption of modular construction techniques allows for more significant prefabrication of components, reducing dependency on distant suppliers and mitigating supply chain disruptions. There is a growing trend towards integrated project delivery (IPD) and alternative contracting models. Predictive analytics help optimize resource allocation, improve project forecasting, and enhance project outcomes.  IPD encourages early collaboration among project stakeholders, including owners, architects, engineers, and contractors, fostering a more cohesive and transparent project delivery process. Alternative contracting models such as design-build and public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost certainty than traditional procurement methods. The approaches incentivize innovation, shared risk, and value-driven outcomes, driving higher performance and client satisfaction. The EPC sector is witnessing increased adoption of modularization and offsite construction techniques. Modularization involves fabricating components or modules offsite in controlled factory environments before transporting them to the project site for assembly.  The approach offers numerous benefits, including accelerated project schedules, reduced labor costs, improved quality control, and enhanced safety. Offsite construction minimizes disruptions to local communities and reduces environmental impacts associated with traditional construction methods, making it an attractive option for complex and time-sensitive projects. The digital transformation of EPC projects has led to a greater emphasis on data analytics and predictive maintenance. By harnessing the power of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, EPC firms can optimize asset performance, predict equipment failures, and schedule maintenance activities more effectively.  ...Read more