Energy Management, Energy Conservation, and Efficiency

This chapter provides guidelines and information on energy management programs, energy audits, energy conservation, and efficiency. The energy efficiency concept is about getting the same or better services while using less energy. This aspect of energy management contrasts with energy conservation, which usually involves doing less with less. The critical issues for energy efficiency and energy management are to identify the services that are needed and make sure that these are being provided cost effectively, with minimum or optimum energy use with the least environmental impacts. Irrespective of the energy cost, the continuous process nature, or the types of equipment employed, energy efficiency is a must. Understandably, though, management gives the greatest attention to the largest operation costs, and optimum energy use is a critical aspect. The basic principles of energy management and energy efficiency are universal, but different types of facilities require different energy management programs. Energy management is a long-term commitment, not just something that is conducted once and then is forgotten. The term energy audit , an important tool of energy management, is widely used and may have different meanings depending on the energy service companies. Energy auditing of buildings can range from a short walk-through of a facility to a detailed analysis with hourly computer simulation.