SHOW PREVIEW THE ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT EXPO
BRIDGING THE KNOWLEDGE GAP in energy management
solutions are playing in the energy efficiency journey, highlighting another opportunity for businesses to integrate energy management into everyday operations, rather than viewing energy efficiency as an ‘other’, requiring peripheral initiatives. Of course, such are the benefits to be had
Ahead of the Energy & Environment Expo, taking place on 17- 19 June 2014 at London’s ExCel Centre, Fergus Bird, Group Event Manager, UBM Live, considers the knowledge gap that prevents businesses achieving their energy potential and how to bridge this
G
one are the days when sustainability and energy management activities
were seen as a desirable ‘bolt on’ for business. Those in decision-making roles know that saving energy yields far greater benefits than simply putting a tick in the CSR box: financial benefits are a significant driver, of course, but business longevity and competitive advantage are incentives in themselves. Energy management is firmly on the agenda of every forward- thinking business. Indeed, according to the report ‘Shining a
light: Uncovering the business energy efficiency opportunity’ by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), 80% of companies questioned say energy efficiency is a major priority, citing reducing bills (by as much as 15%, according to the Carbon Trust) and protecting against energy price volatility (which 86% say is a growing challenge) as the biggest motivators. As the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) predicts energy bills could rise by 20% by 2020 (and by as much as 30% for heavy users), it’s easy to see why so many businesses are having the energy conversation. However, something the CBI’s report is
quick to illustrate is the knowledge gap that exists between good intention and tangible action. Wanting to implement energy- saving measures is not the same as actually implementing energy-saving measures, and while financial restrictions, behavioural change and company-wide buy-in are commonly cited as barriers to energy
14 SUMMER 2014 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT
efficiency, the simple reality is that many decision-makers don’t know where to start.
NEW EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES Energy management technology is constantly evolving and the landscape continually shifting, so it’s no surprise that the CBI report claims “a lack of awareness at all levels undermines businesses’ attempts to better manage their energy use”. But it’s not just the speed of
technological developments that is impeding energy management progress. Gentle – at times almost imperceptible – shifts away from previously established schools of thought can cause problems, too. For a long time, for example, retrofitting was the first port of call for businesses looking to up their efficiency game, but now many industry experts are looking at operational efficiency. For example, CBI’s report cites the case study of a major retailer which “found that their maintenance team did not monitor the efficient running of equipment regularly; and would only make adjustments or repairs when a fault was uncovered, rather than proactively seeking to optimise the system”. Meanwhile, the
International Energy Agency, in its ‘Energy Efficiency Market Report 2013’ points to the role efficient ICT
in implementing energy efficiency measures, decision-makers – naturally – go for the low-hanging fruit. While the CBI report indicates that 90% of businesses had made energy efficiency changes in the last year, or plan to in the coming year, those figures drop off in the medium and long term. Businesses are concerned with quick wins, perhaps because – on this constantly shifting landscape – they’re more comfortable doing so, or feel unsure about the longer-term options available to them. It’s clear that businesses must take steps
to bridge this gap. This year’s Energy & Environment Expo (formerly the Energy Solutions Expo), takes place on 17-19 June at London’s ExCeL Centre, and will provide visitors with access to the widest possible range of products, services and – vitally – experts across the built environment sector. The expo will see a full programme of
“The
expo will see a full programme of high-
level, information-packed
seminars, including IEMA CEO Tim Balcon discussing the skills needed for a sustainable economy .....”
high-level, information-packed seminars, including IEMA CEO Tim Balcon discussing the skills needed for a sustainable economy, and Carbon Clear’s finance director Stephen Jarvis exploring the importance of businesses crafting their own solid energy strategies. There will, of course, be experts from every corner of the energy sphere on hand to answer questions and discuss the latest technologies and legislation making a tangible impact on business today. According to the Carbon Trust, UK businesses are spending an unnecessary £1.6bn per year on energy; with most businesses focused on their bottom lines, this makes no sense. But research consistently indicates that while businesses are not always able to bridge the knowledge gap that perpetuates this behaviour, they are willing. Armed with the right tools and information, this gap can be overcome.
Energy & Environment Expo
www.energy-enviro-expo.com 02075604116 Enter 202 / ENERGYMANAGEMENT
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