Discussing Energy Management and Its Challenges

Facilities managers and their colleagues will confront several energy management problems as energy costs continue to rise, worries about reliable energy sources linger, and legislative requirements related to emissions and climate change policies grow.

The manner in which energy management is carried out, as well as the related tasks and functions, varies based on the kind of organisation and the installation’s lifetime. For example, larger estates and companies will have a duty-holder with a well-defined function in energy management. Smaller businesses, on the other hand, are more likely to assign energy management as a secondary task to the facilities manager or another specialist.

Coordination across different areas of the business is critical for effective outcomes. An energy manager may be tempted to switch off lights and equipment whenever feasible in order to save overhead costs. However, in order for a firm to succeed, it is critical to offer employees working circumstances that encourage efficiency and effectiveness. These difficulties are prevalent in most organisations, but short-sighted cost-cutting should not be allowed to prevail because it will negatively impact production and profitability.

When it comes to energy management, doing nothing and going on as usual – sometimes referred to as “business as usual” – is not an option, despite the complexity of some of the challenges involved. Rising energy prices and supply security are now important corporate concerns that must be handled. So these challenges must be overcome.

An organisation must have a strategy in place to successfully address any issues that may arise. Compliance is sometimes the driving force behind these strategies since it is necessary to satisfy legislative obligations and adhere to regulations like as health and safety, environmental management, and equal opportunity rules.

Increased levels of legislation governing energy consumption, reporting mechanisms, and the need for business efficiency mean that facilities managers must recognise that energy management requires similar levels of ownership and responsibility throughout the organisation – from the boardroom to the shop floor.

Visitors must also be aware of how they may contribute to the reduction of needless energy consumption. If the strategy and plan do not have active boardroom backing, the effort will stall at the technical level and fail to result in a change in organisational culture. The goal should be to integrate the strategy into management practises such that it becomes the new “business as usual.”