Strategic energy management is embodied by a set of processes that empower an organization to implement energy management actions and consistently achieve energy performance improvements. Strategic energy management allows for continuous energy performance improvement by providing the processes and systems needed to incorporate energy considerations and energy management into daily operations. Benchmarking is a key component of strategic energy management. Tracking and monitoring building energy and asset information is an integrated element of data-driven energy management. Find more information about benchmarking.
Both public- and private-sector energy managers can benefit from practicing strategic energy management.
Strategic energy management is a long-term approach to energy efficiency that includes setting goals, tracking progress, and reporting results. A successful strategic energy management plan builds long-term relationships with energy users and targets persistent energy savings. The benefit of effective planning ensures continuous improvement of energy efficiency and increases the property value of buildings. For public buildings, strategic energy management reduces costs across many end uses, institutionalizes practices to sustain long-term savings, and can serve as a model for the private sector.
DOE Resources:
- DOE eGuide Lite:This suite of resources helps users get started with the basics of energy management.
- DOE eGuide to ISO50001: This site provides information about energy management using the ISO50001 standard.
- State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network Webinar: Strategic Energy Management: This webinar provides an overview of strategic energy management.
Other Resources:
For more information about developing an organization-wide energy management plan, see Develop an Energy Plan.
Retro-commissioning (RCx) is a systematic process for identifying and improving less-than-optimal energy performance in an existing building's equipment and control systems. The intent is for existing systems to work as efficiently as designed. This evaluation and fine-tuning process can be implemented as a one-time intervention, frequent retuning, or ongoing continuous commissioning to ensure the energy savings persist. State and local governments can use RCx as a lead component of their own facilities' energy efficiency programs and also can create RCx programs and policies that encourage or require RCx in privately owned buildings.
DOE Resources:
- State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network – Existing Commercial Buildings Working Group: This site lists a number of resources, including guidelines for RCx of existing buildings.
Other Resources:
- ENERGY STAR Guide to Retro-Commissioning: This document gives an overview of RCx and provides detailed project guidance.