Executive Energy Efficiency Trends this Year
Posted January 23rd, 2014
Energy efficiency will continue to have an effect on both residential and industrial energy consumption this year compared to 2013.
2013 was a good year. During this last year, we saw:
1) Greater acceptance of efficiency on the part of large commercial customers. Almost ¾ of organizations had made it (either internally or publicly) a goal to reduce energy consumption.
2) Better data and reporting. In 2013, utilities began to demonstrate some innovative thinking around the assets that can help them deliver efficiency — specifically in the case of demand-side data analytics. The availability of building energy consumption information was key.
3) Technology and market convergence. The Nest thermostat and its mainstream acceptance is a perfect example of a smart device providing multiple benefits by combining technologies to control equipment, engage customer behavior and link to both demand response and efficiency.
According to a Greentech Media (GTM) interview with energy efficiency executives, these trends will continue, including the growth of PACE financing, better data usage, operational savings, and new approaches to equipment integration. Here are the details of their thoughts on the biggest energy efficiency trends for 2014.
1) Growing momentum in commercial property-assessed clean energy financing. A total of 31 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation in support of commercial PACE programs. That growth is expected to continue.
2) Intelligent analytics as the prominent focus for energy efficiency. As sensors become more ubiquitous, they provide invaluable “big data”. When combined with intelligent analytics, a tremendous amount of insight into data center energy use and operating behavior can be gained. This –in turn – will enable entirely new ways of further gaining efficiency.
3) New focus on operational efficiencies vs. equipment retrofits. Retrofits have typically been the efficiency mantra for many industries. Due to market education and awareness, operational savings could begin to take center stage in 2014.
4) LEDs acceptance and market penetration. In 2014, it is expected that LEDs will be everywhere. Two of the factors helping to drive widespread adoption are lighting controls, and increased adoption of enterprise energy management software.
5) New approaches to equipment integration. Here the focus will be on “airside energy efficiency”. Several different strategies will come to play here, including improved economizer utilization, natural ventilation, and demand control ventilation. One key way this will be manifested is in the growing availability of utility incentive programs for ventilation optimization.
At Bayside Solutions, we can help you find the right green technology professional in 2014. We have the recruiting expertise you need to find the right people for the jobs you need filled today! If you are looking for energy jobs in northern California, contact us today.
