The list generally follow the resources hierarchies, and is based on optimized life-cycle costing principles to ensure approaches are as cost effective as possible. These ideas look to first prioritize quick wins, hearts and minds, and low cost conservation measures to reduce consumption as much as possible, before investing in significant clean efficiency technologies and renewable energy sources. Look for this symbol ($) to get an idea of how expensive it could get.

The list is split across seven category groups: Lighting; Small Power; Process Equipment (using motors & drives); Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC); Transport, Water; and Low and Zero Carbon Technologies (LZC).

The first category area to think about is lighting. For most organizations, lighting can account for at least 15 to 20% of electricity costs. Lighting can make up as much as 50% of electricity consumption in some office areas! We all typically waste a lot of the energy consumption we use for lighting. We only need to light what people need to avoid having lights on when not required.

3. Reconsider lighting levels both inside and outside

• Different tasks and different people require different light intensity. Often light levels are set for the worst-case situations.
• Consider types of work being carried out and who is involved. Perhaps some spaces are being over-illuminated…?
• Try different levels of intensity to see if comfort, health & safety and productivity are unaffected or even improved.
• Don’t be afraid to take out or dim down lights – they can always be turned back on!
• Involve local management and facilities teams. 

5. Switch off lights when leaving the room, even if it’s just for a short break

• It’s a common misconception to believe that switching lights on and off uses a lot of electricity. In reality, for example, switching off a modern fluorescent lamp for 15 minutes, and switching it on again, will save 99% in energy use! 
• Introduce a switch-off policy / campaign.
• Ensure switches are clearly labelled and accessible and add in more switches if needed.
• Consider simple timeclocks when lighting is required at specific times.
• Talk to colleagues about what’s needed to make this easy for everyone.

8. Retrofit existing light fittings ($)

• Upgrade and reuse existing light fittings by replacing older style lamps with LED retrofits.
• Add additional reflectors, if possible, to help spread the light more across the room.
• You can often remove a proportion of the lamps which will also help to significantly reduce energy consumption.

10. Install presence detectors

• Target intermittently areas such as corridors, circulation spaces and meeting rooms.
• Microwave or passive infrared sensors can switch lights on and/or off, or dim them down, by sensing the presence of people so reducing inefficiency when lights aren’t needed.
• In areas with good daylighting, using absence detection can allow people to switch lights on and then sensors will switch them off again. 
• In areas that require lighting all the time, light levels can be dimmed down to a minimum setback when no one is around.
• Continually fine tune control settings to maximize benefits.

Electrical 'small power' includes all of the unfixed equipment and appliances that are usually ‘plugged’ into the electricity circuits of the building.

Collectively, small power consumption can account for as much as 15 to 30% of the total electricity used in an office building.

Much equipment is left on for much longer than needed.

Switching off PCs overnight and on weekends, for example, can save up to 50 to 75% of their energy use per year!

Many small ideas to saving energy across small power devices can really add up – and seeing these ideas implemented can be a very powerful influencer for everyone’s hearts and minds.

2. Last person out switch

• A ‘last person out’ switch can be used to ensure all operational power loads are switched off at the end of the day or shift.
• Beware this also becomes a first person in switch; it should only switch back on small power loads that are needed when the first person enters the space.
• Intermittently used equipment, on these circuits, should also be controlled in other ways.

4. Centralize IT equipment hubs

• Small power equipment generates heat; dumping it into the working environment can cause overheating for building users.
• Avoid overheating by collecting together equipment in zones, that are also air-conditioned if necessary.
• This will help control comfort levels, as well as increases efficiency (compared to lots of AC systems being used).
• It may be worth it to also consider having a virtual private server to maximize hardware utilization and efficiency.

6. Fit timers on vending machines and other local cooling units

• Use time controls to switch off vending machines if they are not required 24/7.
• Include allowances for units to reach their operating temperatures if required.

8. Ask about use of any local heating or cooling devices in use

• Talk to colleagues about why any plug-in heaters or air-conditioning are being used.
• Understand it there’s an issue with the main HVAC systems – see HVAC opportunities and ideas.
• Be careful about using blanket banning policies where there are comfort issues that can affect staff morale and their perception of energy saving environmental activity in place. 
• Always aim to improve comfort as well as efficiency.

9. Regularly maintain equipment

• Carry out periodic maintenance to all equipment to avoid degradation, to spot issues that may cause inefficiencies and to fix malfunctions.
• Ensure refrigeration units are cleaned regularly with annual inspections for efficiency.
•  Remove dust from printers’ air filters and other places dust easily collects, etc.

Motors and drives are used in many process applications including industrial processes, materials handling, ventilation fans, pumps, refrigeration units, compressed air systems, etc.

In many industries, electric motor drives can account for over 50% of all electricity use.

It is often possible to significantly reduce this consumption by using small adjustments and modest investment in improving efficiency.

Remember, electric motors cost a lot of money to run.   They can consume their purchase price in electricity in just their first 2 to 4 months, but have a working life of over 10 years.

Compressed air can be a particularly expensive system to run, very often requiring 10 kWh of electricity to produce just 1 kWh of useable compressed air.

2. Switch compressors off when possible

• Keeping air compressors running, even if at minimum levels, can typically consume 20 to 70% of their full load power.
• Rethink operational practices to minimize the operating time requirements for compressed air and switch off compressors when not in use. 

4. Carry out regular maintenance for motor systems

• For maximum system performance, carry out planned cleaning and other preventative maintenance procedures for motors and their application systems.
• Reduce any unnecessary throttling by fixed dampers and valves and other pressure drops in the system.
• Regularly change filters and ensure optimum operating temperatures are maintained.
• Ask advice from specialist maintenance partners. 

6. Reduce operating pressure in line with demand

• Operating pressures for many systems are usually determined at design stage based on assumptions; for compressors, for example, this is commonly fixed around 7 bar (100 psi).
• Continually challenge the pressure set-points, based on actual requirements to achieve energy savings. Consider all end users.
• Try out reducing operating pressures, a little bit at a time, and assess the impacts on overall service and performance.  Adjust set-points based on the results made.
• Reducing a compressor operating pressure by 1 bar, for example, can reduce power consumption by up to 15%.
•  The same opportunities often apply to pressure controlled ventilation systems. 

9. Implement a motor replacement policy

• Fitting High Efficiency (IE2) or Premium Efficiency (IE3) motors can reduce energy consumption by up to 5%, compared to standard new motors.
• Only rewind motors when absolutely necessary, as this practice often reduces efficiency. 
• Discuss options with a specialist supplier.

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are usually the largest energy consumers for many organizations.

Good management practices can ofetn find many opportunities to reduce HVAC consumption. 

Look to make improvements for better comfort as well as reduced energy to deliver the ‘Win Win’.

For example, if rooms are being overheated, reducing room temperature by 1°C could still maintain good comfort levels while cutting heating bills by as much as 10%!

HVAC costs can also easily increase by 30% if the systems are poorly operated or maintained.

Continually look for ways to optimize and improve system performance.

9. Recover (and install $$) HVAC system waste heat

• Ensure existing heat recovery controls are working effectively, e.g. for air recirculation systems.
• Look for opportunities to install additional heat recovery systems to recover waste heat ejected through exhaust air.
• When upgrading systems, specify air conditioning systems equipped with heat recovery.
• Discuss opportunities with building services suppliers.

10. Upgrade old inefficient HVAC plant ($$)

• Newer technology offers better performance efficiency through reduced system losses.
• Review options that use low carbon and renewable greener energy supply, compared to upgrading or refurbishing the existing system/technology for better performance.
• Check upgrade works for compliance with local legislation requirements.

Freight and transport are fundamental parts in the supply chain of many businesses, most of which is done on the road.

Besides having a remarkable impact on a company’s expenses, road transport is also the sector responsible for about 25% of OECD countries’ greenhouse gas emissions.

There are often many simple ways, requiring different levels of commitment or investment, to reduce costs and risks associated with transport.

Many green ideas will also help to be safer on the road, too!

1. Avoid the trip

• Not every trip is always necessary.
• When possible, try solving matters over the phone, or meeting through online conference software.
• Avoiding the trip is the best way to save from it.

3. Use cruise control

• While in the highway, the cruise control system can set the vehicle to go at a constant velocity to use less fuel.
• Cruise control prevents otherwise unavoidable accelerations/decelerations that will consume more fuel.

6. Maximize the transported load

• Boost overall transport productivity by maximizing the load you take.
• Plan logistics to combine as many trips as possible into one trip, and never waste one journey.
• Talk to colleagues to see if it’s possible to combine loads to save a trip.

8. Improve fleet utilization

• Improve utilization by recording data that tracks where each vehicle is going, distance traveled, drive time etc.
• Fleet management software can be very helpful in collecting information, in real time and target any inefficiency on the road to improve fleet performance.

10. Replace old vehicles with newer, more efficient ones ($$)

• When making a new purchase, try to buy ‘smart’ and pick the better performing vehicle which includes optimizing for better fuel efficiency.
• Review opportunity to switch to electric cars in a longer-term strategy to cut fuel cost and carbon emissions.
• Always pay attention to vehicle and fuel type, as well as efficiency (miles per gallon).

There are strong links between energy and water resource efficiency. Energy is consumed in water systems, and water is consumed in many energy systems. 

Many of the same principles of conservation apply to both.

Water is also a scarce thus precious resource.

Saving water can yield economic, environmental and social benefits.

2. Wash equipment responsibly

• Washing a vehicle or piece of equipment with a hose rather than a bucket can use around 10 times more water.
• Soaking dishes instead of rinsing them under running water can also significantly reduce your water consumption.
• Small adjustments in daily washing routines can have a large effect on the end-of-the-year bill.

4. Implement a water saving policy

• Encourage colleagues to reduce water consumption by following a water saving policy that involves everyone.
• Communicate (with supporting signs) to remind colleagues to use taps, showers dishwashers and other water consuming equipment, consciously.  ,
• Actively involve colleagues at work to achieve savings together.

6. Use water meters

• Water systems will eventually leak.
• Using metering (and sub-metering) to detect wasteful water leaks before they become too significant.

8. Install water efficient technology in toilets ($)

• Sensor taps can save lots of water and prevent people from leaving running taps when the water is not being used.
• Tap aerators and/or tap restrictors can also reduce water consumption by considerably decreasing the water rate.
•  Aim to restrict general taps to 4.5 liters per minute or less. 

10. Recycle greywater when possible ($$)

• Consider use of recycling wastewater systems, or rainwater harvesting systems, to cut potable water usage.
• Look at any opportunities for flushing toilets, irrigation, vehicle washing, cooling, rinsing or even for cooling units and feeding boilers.
•  Speak to specialists about opportunities and ideas.

Low And Zero Carbon Technologies (LZC) can provide a more sustainable solution to conventional energy resources.

Organizations need to consider investing in greener energy and water supply technologies once they are making good progress in eliminating avoidable waste and improving system efficiencies.

Many of these technologies still need investment to become mainstream; organizations can support this by start adopting more LZC technologies to encourage innovation to speed up the transition to a zero carbon reality.

Doing so, can support local hearts and minds for an organization’s sustainability approach and activities.

Usually, these investments are much more capital intensive; however, the expected returns are positive if the projects are careful evaluated and implemented where they can make the biggest difference.

Increasingly more governments are also providing monetary incentives for organizations that employ LZC technologies.

2. Ground source heat pumps, (GSHP) ($$$)

• This system consists of a ground water circuit loop, a heat pump, and a distribution system to supply space heating, cooling or domestic or process hot water duties.
• The technology uses constant temperature from underground to significant increase the efficiency of the heat pumps used.
• The system relies of the supply of renewably generated electricity to be zero carbon.

4. Mechanical ventilation with recovery, (MVHR) ($$$)

• Waste heat from a process integral to a building can also be considered as low carbon.
• For example, MVHR recovers the exhaust heat from a building to be used to preheat ventilation fresh air, retaining up to 90% of heat.
• MVHR is considered to be a very efficient approach, using very little energy, if combined with very high levels of building thermal insulation such as meeting the Passivhaus standard.

6. Super-efficient gas boilers ($$)

• High efficiency condensing boilers are also (sometimes) referred to a low carbon technology and zero carbon if fueled by biogas.
• Condensing boilers can typically convert over 90% of their fuel into useful heat, increasing boiler efficiency and minimizing energy losses.

8. Solar water heating ($$$)

• Solar thermal technology heat water collectors, typically located on the roof, using the sun
• The energy is then transferred to a hot water storage cylinder for use for domestic or process hot water duties, and sometimes for local space heating.

10. Community or district heating

• Look for opportunities of economics of scale, and/or diversity in load, to meet the heating requirements of multiple commercial, and local, buildings and/or processes.
• Using a local and inclusive approach to district energy supply, for example using CHP, can help improve the economics and accessibility to LZCT. 

SUMMARY

There are usually always many opportunities we can all reduce our energy and water consumption and improve our sustainability performance.

This checklist, of the simplest ideas, follows the energy and resources to help ensure our approaches are as cost effective as possible; reducing demand first is not only lowest overall cost to reduce our carbon emissions but that also right sizes subsequent investments in LZCT.

If you would like to have a downloadable checklist for this, please contact us.

For more detailed ideas and opportunities for the different categories, see our smart saver check lists covering lighting, process, HVAC systems and others.

I hope some of these ideas are of help to you.

REVIEW

The first step to take to have an understanding of lighting performance and target savings right away

REDUCE

Target improvement measures that directly decrease lighting energy consumption first

REUSE

Once loads have been reduced, then prioritize routine and maintenance improvement practices (that don’t require significant investment)

RECYCLE

Talk to colleagues, share experiences, and try out proven lighting approaches and technologies used by others

RETHINK

Challenge your mindsets, look for new ways of doing business, trial new ideas, invest in more energy effective lighting technologies; review business cases and ROI

Summary

Look to continually improve your lighting systems and energy performance. New technologies are generally always more efficient and come with guaranteed savings that will repay the initial investment. However, without due consideration of alternative options, the initial investment can sometimes end up being more costly than necessary.

Following the above checklist in the right order will help ensure you minimize lighting investment costs, by right sizing solutions, and maximize energy performance and savings in the most cost effective way possible, in a way that also involves colleagues and other stakeholders.

Keep it simple and think holistically by always considering task and general lighting requirements, types of fittings, efficiency levels, lighting equipment, lighting quality, appearance and total life costs (i.e. initial purchase, installation, maintenance, annual bill, return on investment, etc.). Carefully evaluate all viable measures for comparison, and create your own action plan for continual improvement.

Download

If you would like the downloadable summary checklist of this, please contact us.

• It’s in Microsoft Word, but it can easily be converted to another Word processer, such as Google Docs. It’s read-only, so you’ll have to save your version onto your own drive to be able to modify it.
• You can then modify and develop this simplified checklist to suit your needs as required. Complete it on line or print it out (but remember: think before you print!)

If you're interested in more detail about lighting design and principles check out CIBSE's lighting publications.

REVIEW 

The first step to take to improve understanding of HVAC performance and target savings straight away

1.  Measure & review internal air quality and temperatures

• Walk the internal spaces, talk to building users and ask for their feedback. Consider organization policies, industry good practice and operating requirements for the HVAC systems, etc.
• Look at local control settings and temperature dead-bands – systems should be controlled to higher temperatures in summer and lower temperatures in winter.
• Domestic hot water temperatures should be high enough to minimize risks (e.g. over 55°C to protect against Legionella infections), but not too hot. Involve service partners to help identify any performance issues and discuss opportunities.
• Particularly, target areas that are either too hot or too cold, or areas where windows are often left open when AC or heating systems are running.

4.  Comply with national building regulations and international standards

• Conduct research to see whether the HVAC system complies with national legal requirements.
• Look for opportunities to implement operational policies, objectives and targets that are consistent with international best practice standards.

5.  Measure efficiencies of significant energy users

• Energy efficiency is a measure of the relationship between energy output and energy input.
• This can often be inferred by measuring losses associated with the plant under consideration, e.g. for boilers using flue gas analysis and temperature measurements.
• Often simple adjustments and regular maintenance can easily improve efficiency levels.

7.  Review existing maintenance contracts

• Consider whether the specification for maintenance contracts is still appropriate and that service partners are delivering what is required.
• Consider opportunities for improvement, for example through training or making provisions for more proactive value-based maintenance rather than solely reactive and preventative routines.

REDUCE

Target improvement measures that directly decrease HVAC energy consumption first

1.  Consolidate operational activities

• Group operational activities, HVAC systems and controls into common activity zones.
• Create unoccupied spaces, and ensure they are not being air-conditioned when empty.
• Reduce volume of centrally stored domestic hot water if it is not required.

3.  Maximize use of natural ventilation

• Check natural ventilation window systems are operable and any possible cross ventilation paths are not being blocked (including through wall partition grills if necessary).
• Use night cooling to pre-cool any thermal mass in the building to minimize AC loads.
• For mixed mode systems, ensure AC systems are switched off when natural ventilation is being used.

4.  Challenge HVAC operation times:

• Continually review and trial reducing the main system operating time schedules (for boilers, chillers, fans, pumps, etc.) as much as possible whilst still meeting business requirements.
• Ensure systems are switched off during the seasons they are not needed for.
• Consider use of automatic controls to help reduce operating hours of the main systems, for example by using optimum start/stop controls for heating and cooling systems.
• Continuously look to improve all control settings and their commissioning set-ups.
• Ensure any frost protection set points are appropriate.

6.  Appoint a ‘key-connector’ champion

• Empower a local champion to coordinate and connect feedback from building users with HVAC performance improvement activities being undertaken.
• Use local communications to make sure building users understand the operation of the systems and the benefits of good operational practices; for example, using windows and blinds to reduce air-conditioning loads, keeping windows and doors closed when heating and AC systems are switched on, and agreeing and maintaining thermostats at optimum levels.

REUSE

Once loads have been reduced, prioritize routine and maintenance improvement practices (that don’t require significant investment)

1.  Raise awareness and make use of staff training

• Empower colleagues who best understand local requirements to contribute to optimizing the operation and control of local HVAC systems.
• Raise awareness so local users understand the impacts of their activities. For instance, the risks of any obstructions that might impair thermostats or local heating and AC emitters. Ensure other heat sources aren’t having averse effects on local systems.
• Involve local champions in checking and challenging the area’s basic control settings: ensure timeclocks are reset after clock changes, automatic controls are not unintentionally left in manual mode (in ‘hand’), and that settings are not set-back to very safe levels.
• Check that system operators, service partners and contractors are all adequately trained, and can carry out energy performance reviews and proactive maintenance activities as required; they should be competent, have the relevant qualifications and have received adequate safety training to deal with any risks.

3.  Routinely check for any asset degradation

• Look for obvious (unintentional) air leakage draughts within conditioned spaces. Look for and eliminate leaks within air and water distribution systems.
• Check existing draught seals and catches for draughts around windows, doors and any other penetrations through walls.
• Use good external covers for wall AC units and fans when not in use.
• Draught reproofing is often one of the most cost effective ways of reducing building fabric losses.
• Check that there are good levels of thermal insulation on distribution pipework and duct work when it passes through untreated or external areas.

4.  Consider distribution system remedial measures ($)

• Target oversized systems and challenge the way air and water flow rates are controlled within distribution systems; look for opportunities to reduce system flow rates. For example, make use of variable speed drives (VSDs) on fans and pump, while still meeting occupancy and statutory requirements.
• Look for opportunities to reduce losses from heating/cooling distribution system temperatures and how system distribution temperatures may be automatically adjusted during periods of lower load; for example, using heating system compensation controls.

6.  Continually recommission the HVAC systems & controls

• Regularly review, challenge and optimize the control settings for the significant systems.
• Look for opportunities to challenge distribution system temperature and/or pressure control set-points to improve controllability and energy performance.
• For steam systems, optimize feed-water and blowdown processes, as they can be extremely wasteful of energy and water.
• Rationalize sequence and load control of significant HVAC energy users (boilers, chillers, condensers, etc.) so they operate as efficiently as possible and aren’t cycling too frequently.

RECYCLE

Talk to colleagues, share experiences, and try out proven HVAC approaches and technologies used by others

2.  Research ideas and actions used by others

• Discuss opportunities within external industry networks and forums.
• Organize presentations from suppliers to understand the latest functions and attributes of the systems you have, and find about the latest good industry practices and opportunities.
• Procure replacement parts consciously by considering the lifetime impact of energy consumption and costs.
• Consider changing to greener alternatives, for example using ‘natural’ refrigerants to minimize the risk to global warming.

4.  Reinsulate with enhanced insulation and air-tightness measures ($$)

• Check current levels of insulation, for example using or a thermal camera (thermography) survey to identify areas of poor insulation, draughts and air leakage paths.
• Replace or add in additional insulation where it is defective or missing; always ensure there is adequate ventilation levels and protection against any risk of condensation.
• Upgrade windows and doors, with improved levels of insulation, if appropriate.
• Ensure AC spaces are thermally separate from non-conditioned spaces; consider the use of reflective foil behind radiators to reduce heat losses.
• Air pressure testing can be used to check overall levels of building air tightness. Smoke pencils can identify local air leakage paths.

5.  Recirculate unused hot air ($)

• Many warehouses and high spaces are heated through air systems, so most of the hot air ends on the ceiling – consider using de-stratifying fans or air jet circulation systems to recirculate the heat back down to the comfort zone to reduce overall heating requirements.
• Minimize the heat loss through warehouse doors by using draught proofing, curtains, or by making deliver entrance doors smaller.
• Look for local air pre-heating opportunities, for example using supply air coming through warm atria or roof spaces, or waste heat from air-cooled condensers (e.g. from computer rooms).

6.  Recover HVAC system waste heat ($$)

• Use heat recover from exhaust air, for example using economy or enthalpy control for recirculation air systems or heat exchangers, run-around-coils (RACs) or thermal wheels within extract ventilation ducts.
• Check performance of any existing heat recovery systems and continually recommission and fine tune controls as necessary.
• Consider investment in new heat recovery systems.

RETHINK

Challenge your mindsets, look for new ways of doing business, trial new ideas and invest in more energy effective and sustainable HVAC solutions; review business cases and their ROI

2.  Reinvent infrastructure using efficient fabric and lean design approaches ($$$)

• Engage a design team for a building refurbishment program.
• Look to upgrade the fabric to best practice insulation standards.
• Design for natural ventilation, or mixed mode with high efficiency plant, where possible. Look for opportunities for passive solar design.
• Energy performance simulations can target the most cost effective opportunities for improved insulation and better energy performance. One of the highest standards for the building fabric is the ‘Passivhaus’ standard, which can result in very low heating and cooling demands.

 3.  Upgrade to more efficient clean HVAC systems ($$$)

• Upgrading central plant can often achieve 5 to 25% reduction in overall consumption, depending on the efficiencies of the existing plant. Consider converting constant volume ventilation systems to variable air volume where on-demand control makes sense.
• Upgrade motors to premium efficiency (IE3) or even super premium efficiency (IE4) motors. Use large ducts and pipes to minimize distribution energy consumption.
• Consider replacement larger fans (with limited capacity control) with modular plug fans. Use EC (electronic commutation) DC motors for fan-coil units.
• Look for opportunities to use more sustainable or environmentally friendly fuels and refrigerants, and low or zero local emissions heating and cooling systems.
• If using combustion boilers, only consider condensing type boilers that recover heat from the flue gasses. Absorption chillers can be run from waste heat from district heating systems.

6.  Set operational principles to save energy

• Early on in the development process, set an energy effective vision including policies, strategies, metrics and targets designed to drive constant improvement.
• Based on regular occupant feedback and BMS checks, design the energy-optimization strategies to ensure the benefits of the design intent and to drive continual optimization and improvement are realized in use.
• Synthesize these strategies into a set of key principles, useful to significant energy users, who can then implement better operational practices and behaviors.

7.  Report how low you can go

• As part of any redesign process, forecast operational energy consumption; (include low and high), and most probable energy consumption levels.
• Involve operations and facilitates colleagues in the process to ensure forecasts are more realistic.
• Develop consumption models that will also help review new saving opportunities and drive continual improvement of operational practices and behaviors going forward.

SUMMARY

There are usually always many opportunities to reduce energy consumption within HVAC systems.

We find that following the 5-R categories helps ensure the remedial measures are considered in an order that are not only ensure lowest overall cost but that also right sizes subsequent investments in new HVAC technology.

Download

If you would like the downloadable summary checklist for this, please contact us. 

• It’s in Microsoft Word, but it can easily be converted to another Word processer, such as Google Docs. It’s read-only, so you’ll have to save your version onto your own drive to be able to modify it.
• You can then modify and develop this simplified checklist to suit your needs as required. Complete it on line or print it out (but remember: think before you print!)

For more detail about optimizing HVAC performance more generally, check out CIBSE's top tips: Temperature in Indoor Workplaces (Thermal Comfort) and Ventilation in Buildings

The increasing adoption of solar PV has led to greater research in developing higher capacity modules with more reliable and stable power output. As the world deals with the climate crisis, nations and organizations are aligning towards a more sustainable future, but it is in everyone’s hands to be part of the Net Zero future.

To reduce carbon footprint, each individual and organization can take measures by reducing their consumption and generating what they need using renewable energy. Most organizations and homes have unutilized roof space, so it is an ideal opportunity to invest in solar PV.

A well-planned solar PV system can be a hassle-free renewable energy source and more.

Follow these steps, measures and guidelines to best utilize your solar resources and get the most out of a PV installation.

The first step in the shift to renewable energy is to identify and understand the energy demand.

1. Energy Monitoring 
   • The base to any energy management plan is to first measure the power consumption.
   • Install sub meters to monitor significant energy users if needed.
   • Record the energy consumption and identify patterns of consumption against usage or occupancy.
2. Identify the most suitable renewable energy source 
   • Solar PV, unlike wind, often requires fewer planning approvals and is suitable on most sites.
   • Most residential and commercial properties have sufficient unutilized roof area that can be used to meet its demand using solar PV.
   • It is possible to estimate the PV power output per m² in any given region using the global solar atlas to identify the available solar resource.
3. Identify suitable roof location 
   • A suitable roof space would have the most amount of sunlight without any shading impediments for the majority of the year. In addition, depending on the region, the angle of the solar PV module must also be considered for maximum efficiency.
   • It is necessary to consider maintenance and cleaning requirements; for example, a kitchen exhaust or birds roosting may foul the panels more often than normal.
   • The inverter generates heat when operating especially under high load. Therefore, proper ventilation or cooling is required to ensure the longevity of the inverter.
4. Technical specification
   • Different PV technologies are available on the market including thin film, Mono-crystalline, Poly-crystalline, and Double glass modules.
   • To choose the most appropriate technology, technical, economic and operational considerations need to be taken into account. Thin film modules perform better in low light conditions. Double glass modules offer better protection against chemical and salt mist deposits.  Poly-crystalline modules are often lower cost compared to other technologies due to lower power output; this may be sufficient if excess roof space is available.
5. Roofs are an underutilized asset, and it is an ideal source for power generation, which brings several benefits against the global climate crisis. 
   • Land use is one of the major contributors to global warming; therefore, the utilization of land for solar PV or any power plant is less sustainable than roof mounted solar PV.
   • By generating power at the source of consumption, it is possible to mitigate transmission losses. Therefore, using rooftop solar adds to the sustainability of the energy sector by reducing energy waste.

Fact - The average carbon foot print for a solar PV system is 6gCO2e/kWh compared to coal (future proofed with carbon capture and storage CCS) at 109gCO₂e/kWh, gas (with CCS) at 78gCO₂e/kWh and hydro at 97gCO₂e/kWh. This incorporates factors in the total CO₂ emitted in manufacture, construction, fuel supply, generation decommissioning of a system.

REDUCE

Reduce energy waste and improve energy efficiency so you’re only using what is needed.

1. Reduce energy consumption through implementing an energy management plan 
   • Energy reduction can be accomplished by simple cost effective measures; for example by ensuring equipment is switched off when not used.
2. Look into the stakeholder behaviours, as much as technical upgrades to identify opportunities to save energy.
3. Significant energy savings can be made by using solar thermal to heat water. For residential requirements, a solar thermal system can adequately meet the hot water requirements and mitigate the energy consumed by water heaters. In an industrial setting, a solar thermal system can supplement boilers with hot water, thereby reducing the energy consumed. When planning a solar PV system, remember to leave adequate space for a solar thermal system if it’s a viable option in your region. Keep in mind to factor in any shadow from the water tank of the solar thermal system.
4. A proper mapping of future energy demand using historic consumption data can help with proper sizing of the solar PV system. There are several, more technical factors that an installer will consider when sizing a solar PV system. 
   • Solar PV has economies of scale. Fixing a larger PV capacity will provide a better rate per kW and therefore have a shorter payback period if the energy generated is utilized or sold.
   • Reducing the energy demand can allow for a smaller solar PV system as the capital expense of a solar installation is high.
   • Remember to factor in the annual efficiency reduction of silicon solar PV modules.
   • By plotting the future energy demand increase, a suitable system can be sized to meet the future requirement.
   • If a larger solar PV installation is not affordable, then consider installing only the required inverter with adequate PV modules to meet the current demand. PV modules can later be added to meet additional demand.
   • Oversizing a PV system can be done according to the inverter manufacturer’s specification to allow for a greater energy generation without having to have a larger inverter capacity. By oversizing the DC capacity, the inverter will operate at a higher efficiency and will have lesser harmonic resonance in the power supply. By generating more power, the unit cost of energy can be reduced thereby having better financial return.
   • If possible, use the direct DC power output from the solar PV modules for DC motors, refrigerators and other machinery to eliminate conversion losses.

REUSE

Use best practice knowledge and site specific energy data to plan out the most suitable solar PV system.

1. Ask local installers about their experience and knowledge gained by carrying out installations in the area. This will provide insight into best practices and local area specific knowledge.
2. Talk to customers and look to use a locally available service provider with a good record of addressing breakdowns fast.
3. Ask for best practice methods to ensure the system is designed with ease of maintenance in mind.
4. Identify the best interconnection methods, available power purchase agreements and available subsidies for PV installations.
5. The visual impact of solar PV has now become a positive attribute. A neat and well installed solar PV system represents added value to a property and the occupant’s commitment to a more sustainable future. Some installations are carried out with a rack system on the roof to obtain the optimum angle which will impact negatively on the aesthetics. Having a flush mounted solar PV installation gives the best visual outcome but may have a reduced generation efficiency due to the angle of the roof. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the direction and the angle of the roof and compare the efficiency loss VS having a rack mounted system. Rack mounted systems during high winds tend to get pulled up from the roof due to its angle as opposed to flush mounted systems. Therefore, a flush mounted system has an added benefit both aesthetically and structurally.

RECYCLE

Promote your solar PV system to get further benefits in energy saving and to motivate all stakeholders into adopting sustainable behaviors.

1. After installation ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the sustainability measures and benefits in place.
2. Utilize the completed project to re-engage all stakeholders on better sustainability practices they could do themselves.
3. Keep track of local energy consumption, energy generation and emissions savings. Put into context the savings in financial terms or a form that is easily comprehensible i.e., Volume of CO₂ emissions saved in terms of balloons, or annual emissions of an average sized vehicle.
4. Majority of the solar PV modules can effectively be recycled. Nearly 80% of the hardware can be physically separated and recycled along with nearly 85% of the silicone material from silicone base solar PV modules.  Therefore, decommission of a solar PV system can be carried out very effectively and sustainably.

RETHINK

Continually monitor the energy consumption and generation and make changes to get the best benefits from the solar PV installation both in term of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

1. Reschedule your energy consumption patterns with the availability of solar as to better utilize the generated power.
2. If there are any changes in consumption patterns which provide a better financial incentives, rethink on how to swap to a more suitable power purchase agreement or interconnection method.
3. Monitor the energy generation and carry out regular maintenance when required to maintain proper generation from the solar PV system.

SUMMARY

Switching to a renewable energy source is an ideal way to reduce your carbon footprint on the road to Net Zero.

As solar PV installation is a long-term investment, it is necessary to consider the many options available to fully earn the best return on investment for your organization.

Proper planning can also help reduce the capital investment of a solar PV project, and help achieve better yield and lower maintenance costs.

Continually monitoring, improving and maintaining a system will help achieve the expected returns.

By following these simple steps, the solar PV installation can also bring about changes in energy efficiency, behavior change, help better understand your energy consumption and carbon footprint, along with the switch to a low carbon energy source.

REVIEW

The first step to take to improve understanding of performance and target savings straight away

REDUCE

Target improvement measures that directly decrease energy consumption first

1. Last person off switch

• This involves a simple switch on a circuit that includes all the relevant process equipment, with the switch often positioned near the exit door to an area.
• This can be a simple way to ensure all equipment is switched off at the end of the day (or shift).
• The risk is that this also becomes a ‘First person in’ switch. Be careful about including equipment that doesn’t need to come up with the first person in – see fire-up schedule idea below.
• Check all production plant for complete shutdown when switched off.

2. Use fire-up schedules to manage the start-up/switch-off of significant consumers

• A fire-up schedule is an idea we’ve often introduced to processes such as restaurant kitchens, which schedules out all the significant services and consumers, within an area, and their agreed operating times.
• This type of schedule can be used to facilitate discussions with colleagues to target when equipment is running unnecessarily. It can also help to trial ideas to reduce running hours in a managed way. 
• For example, look at ways to delay starting equipment up for as long as is possible at the beginning of the day or shift. Take into account any time required to reach operating conditions e.g. for heating ovens or compressor systems.
• Where a service is required 24/7, and there is multiple provision, consider itemizing out each consumer and reducing service levels during periods of low demand e.g., shutting off some operating theatres overnight when otherwise they would all be left on.
• Use the fire-up schedule to routinely and continuously challenge operation times of equipment in a managed way.

3. Use local timers to switch off independent equipment ($)

• Simple local timers are still often the easiest way to locally control local equipment and motors – as long as someone is responsible for checking and optimizing the time settings.
• This is used, for example, to avoid machines being left on for long periods without being used, e.g. for vending and food dispensing refrigeration equipment which otherwise would be left on all the time.
• Also consider use of local times where intermittent operation of equipment still produces the same results if operation was continuous e.g. for some mixing, blending or water pumping processes.
• Be careful about having too many timers that need checking and optimizing. The risk here is that they are all switched on permanently as they are too many of them to effectively manage.
• Use an operating schedule to discuss and optimize equipment timings with colleagues who best understand the operating needs of the system. Routinely challenge operating times to reduce consumption further.

4. Turn down system flow-rates

• Identify opportunities to reduce flow-rates at full load for air ventilation or pumped water systems e.g., using variable speed drives on system fan or pumps motors.
• Minimize any unnecessary overall system pressure losses - target any combined throttling control in the system provided by say fixed dampers, valves or other fixed pressure drops.
• Under part-load conditions, use variable flow controls for more efficient part-load operation – typically, only 20% of full load energy consumption is required for half load flow volume.
• Consider isolating the centralized load of any local equipment and machines while being unused; for example, unused machines can be isolated from a central extract system by fitting local dampers on a variable air volume (VAV) centralized system.

5. Turn down temperature or pressure control set-points

• Operating control set-points for many systems are usually determined at design stage based on assumptions; because we are generally risk averse, set-points are usually set on the high side.
• For process heating systems, look to reduce flow water temperatures or system steam pressures to reduce overall system energy losses.
• For cooling processes, set the highest system cooling temperatures possible.
• Reduce control static pressure set points in variable air volume distribution systems as much as possible; look to reduce it to the point where all terminal unit controls are as open as possible at full load.
• The pressure set-points for air compressors, for example, are usually set at around 7 bar (100 psi). Reducing a compressor operating pressure from 7 bar to 6 bar can reduce power consumption by 2-4%.
• Continually challenge temperature and pressure set-points based on actual requirements to achieve energy savings.

6. Enhance insulation levels ($)

• Enhancing insulation levels can reduce heat energy losses for hot water heating systems, industrial heaters and fryers, etc., and reduce cooling energy losses from chilled water systems.
• Enhancing insulation can also improve system control at temperatures in use.
• Look for opportunities to increase insulation levels (e.g. for cold room storage areas) and draught proof against any possible air leakage around doors e.g. look to fit curtains to tunnel-oven entrances.
• If you can, we usually recommend increasing insulation levels to as much as can be easily fixed within organizational criteria for return on investment.

7. Appoint a local performance improvement champion

• We find the biggest opportunities to reduce consumption often come about by connecting up different people with different perspectives.
• A local performance improvement champion acting as a key connector can coordinate local discussions and activities to help optimize overall process performance including its energy and water performance.
• Many centralized compressor systems are often left running for the whole working day; keeping them running on stand-by, even if at minimum levels, can still consume 20-70% of their full load power.
• Set hot water temperatures to lowest permissible agreed settings.

8. Use decentralized systems ($)

• In the right circumstances, decentralization can be an energy effective strategy to reduce distribution system losses for process systems.
• Look at opportunities to separate out different types of loads to avoid having central systems running longer than otherwise would be necessary. 
• In some application, e.g. dentistry, local micro-motors can be used in place of compressed air.
• Review hot water requirements and consider replacing centralized hot water generation with local direct (or instantaneous) generation to minimize storage and distribution losses.

REUSE

Once loads have been reduced, then prioritize routine and maintenance improvement practices (that don’t require significant investment)

1. Raise awareness and train colleagues

• Empower colleagues - discuss and agree standard operating principles and management policies for process systems. Develop practices to minimize energy losses. For example, locate chilled food for longer-term storage at the back of chilled storage containers.
• Raise awareness so local users understand the impacts of their activities. Involve local champions in checking and challenging the area’s basic control settings: ensure timeclocks are reset after clock changes, automatic controls are not unintentionally left in manual mode (in ‘hand’), and that settings are not set-back to overtly safe levels.
• Ensure switches and local controllers are clearly labelled and accessible.
• For multiple equipment installations, look to switch units on/off to match demand.
• Switching off equipment during breaks, or when operators are away from the process, can save up to two thirds of normal energy consumption.
• Check that system operators, service partners and contractors are all adequately trained, and can carry out process performance reviews and proactive maintenance activities as required; they should be competent, have the relevant qualifications and have received adequate safety training to deal with any risks.

2. Make sure to enable energy savings features

• Many systems and processes come with pre-programmed energy savings features; however, we find that may are never enabled or switched off.
• Raise awareness of the energy efficiency potential and intent of system and equipment designs. Discuss the opportunities with suppliers and other specialists.
• Look to activate and continually review automatic standby levels and switch off modes whenever possible.

3. Carry out regular maintenance

• For all significant process consumers, check latest supplier requirements for system maintenance. Without a maintenance routine in place plant, equipment, pumps, fans, etc., utilities consumption can significantly increase. Maintenance also extends plant life and reduces the likelihood of breakdowns.
• Motors require regular cleaning and lubrication to bearings and associated drives; also check cooling fans and vents.
• Regularly clean fan blades, pump impellers, etc. Keep filters and distribution systems clean to minimize pressure drops.
• Include checking of compressors, evaporators and condensers; check all refrigeration systems for level of charge.

4. Optimize efficiency of transmission systems e.g. motor drives

• Involve suppliers and service partners in the optimization process.
• For motor drives, look to reduce losses as much as possible: check for belt tension, pulley alignment and lubrication. Consider replacing V-belts with modern flat low friction belts.
• For electrical transmission systems, look at opportunities to reduce voltages at transformers. Many systems run at higher voltages than required which can lead to additional energy losses.

5. Routinely carry out inspections for leaks

• Look for and eliminate leaks within process systems.
• Water system leaks can be highlighted by monitoring for consumption with all water consuming equipment switched off. Underground leaks can sometimes be highlighted using thermography.
• Leaks in compressor systems can also go unnoticed for a long time and be expensive. In compressed air systems, losses can be as much as 40 to 50% of the generated output. Try to listen and see if there are any audible air leaks within the system. Also, check for safety valve leaks and whether any manual drain valves have been left marginally open. Be careful about using metal clips on airlines, as these can cause leaks.
• For ventilation systems, minimize duct and damper air leakage which can also impact on performance and controllability.

6. Use variable speed drives (VSD) on motors ($)

• A variable speed drive (VSD) is a type of motor controller that can vary the speed of an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor.
• Used in an energy effective way, reducing the speed of a pump or fan by 20% can halve its running cost.
• Other names for VSDs are variable frequency drives, adjustable speed drives, adjustable frequency drives, AC drives, micro-drives and inverters.
• For some applications, using multi-speed motors can also provide energy effective control for part load operation.
• Many VSDs aren’t being used as effectively as they could be. Set up and continually optimize and improve the control settings to make the most out of the VSD investment.

7. Retrofit equipment controls

• Involve suppliers and system specialists to discuss opportunities to retrofit additional equipment controls to reduce consumption and enhance performance.
• Look at energy efficiency controls; e.g. consider use of ‘start on demand’ controls for escalators and travellators. Consider soft-start motor controllers on freezers, refrigerators, and chilled display cabinets.
• Look at water efficiency controls e.g. use of control systems for water system urinals, push or knee operated controls for taps, etc.
• For electrical distributions systems, power factor correction can help to reduce the reactive power fed back into the local electricity grid – thus reducing any additional costs you may be charged for by the local utility company for excess power factors.

8. De-rate plant provision if oversized (and practical to do)

• Target oversized processes and plant that have poor efficiencies:
• Pumps may be de-rated by changing to a smaller impeller, by trimming the impeller, or by adjusting the pulley size.
• Consider reconfiguring significantly oversized three phase motors from delta to star wiring.
• Reduce hot water storage and generation by using smaller units with quicker recovery times.
• Partition off any areas unused in cold storage containers (and switch off or de-rate associated evaporators).

RECYCLE

Talk to colleagues, share experiences and try out proven approaches and technologies used by others

1. Survey process users, operators and service partners

• Gain feedback from operators and users on current performance of local processes and ask for their ideas for improvement opportunities.
• Talk to suppliers and industry specialists to obtain informed opinions about comparative levels of process system performance, including energy/water performance, and ideas they have to improve overall performance.

    2. Use monitoring and targeting (M&T) techniques ($)

• Too often, unexpected energy and water waste goes unseen in process systems.
• Automated consumption monitoring of production processes and demand can help support the identification of avoidable energy/water waste. Half-hourly consumption data is typically used to do this.
• Particularly target excessive demand used out of normal operating periods.
• Consider use of load shedding to reduce maximum demand at peak times – this could be facilitated using local control systems or full building energy management systems.

3. Improve procurement policies

• Ensure equipment and motors are of the correct size for the application, once opportunities to reduce load have been considered.
• Once appropriate size has been determined, look to make use of efficiency rating labels to help establish energy and water effective procurement policies.
• For example, fitting High Efficiency (IE2) or Premium Efficiency (IE3) motors can reduce motor energy consumption by up to 5% for the same power output demand compared to standard new motors; this investment typically payback within 1-3 years. 
• Think again about policies to repair/rewind motors as this practice reduces motor efficiencies. Only rewind motors when absolutely necessarily. 
• When replacing equipment, look to recycle old machinery and equipment as possible.
• Discuss industry standards and opportunities with specialists.

4. Recover kinetic energy ($$)

• Kinetic energy is the energy of mass in motion. We can sometimes capture this energy before it is lost. 
• Traditionally, this has been expensive to do, but certain applications are becoming more cost effective, or help to raise awareness of avoidable waste issues to capture hearts and minds.
• Regenerative braking, for example, can be used to recapture some of the energy that would normally be lost by braking systems. Cycling generators and kinetic pavements (harnessing the power of footstep) can also be used to generate electricity.
• To minimize distribution losses, look to recycle this energy for nearby power loads or charging points, particularly if you can keep it as a 12volt supply.

5. Recycle waste heat ($)

• Look for opportunities to recycle waste heat from process systems. For example, waste heat from coil coolers, or air-cooled compressors may be used to pre-heat water for other purposes, such as for domestic hot water.
• Using a thermal camera (thermography) can help to identify equipment that gives off high levels of waste heart.
• When considering application, first look for opportunities to recycle the heat within the same process, e.g. using hot-gas recirculation to reduce temperature stratification and promote better heat transfer. 
• Then consider whether heat can effectively be recovered from the process.

6. Recycle water/effluent discharge ($)

• Look for opportunities to recycle wastewater from water systems. The potential will depend on the levels of cleaning required.
• If possible, recirculate water for other purposes, without requiring significant remedial measures. For example, either directly (e.g. using greywater for gardens), or indirectly (e.g., using water for industrial cooling applications).
• There may be opportunities to recover collected rainwater, or process water such as from sinks, to be used within applications such as toilets.

7. Learn from continually optimizing equipment settings and controls

• Look to continually learn by iteratively challenging control settings and looking to stretch performance in use.
• Work with specialists to review and fine-tune control schedules, differentials, loops, etc., to minimize losses at low loads.
• If experience shows that the level of control at low loads is insufficient, consider replacing control valves or terminal units with correctly sized components.
• In particular, pay attention to optimizing plant sequence and load controls, operating pressures and free cooling and heating cycles.

8. Use KAIZEN case studies - share your experience with colleagues

• KAIZEN is the Japanese word for “change for the better”. This Asian philosophy is based on continual improvement that can be applied to any process in a way that involves everyone.
• Look to use standard kaizen case-study templates to capture experiences and actions and share them with colleagues.

RETHINK

Challenge your mindsets, look for new ways of doing business, trial new ideas and invest in more energy effective and sustainable solutions; review business cases and their ROI

1. Innovate approaches & processes ($$)

• Review all systems in terms of energy and water performance, and understand the value they add (or don’t add) to the overall process.
• Brainstorm alternative approaches to meet process requirements. For example, pay attention to alternative heat treatment processes, furnaces, washers, dryers, etc.
• Design out utility requirements if possible, e.g. using waterless urinals.
• Look for opportunities to relocate services to benefit from economies of scale e.g. a restaurant supplier centralized some of the cooking of meals within larger kitchens to distribute to their simplified local restaurant outlets.

2. Replace oversized equipment ($$)

• Using oversized equipment (compared to the required demand at peak load) can significantly increase their energy and resources consumption.
• Target significant consuming process assets and equipment, and review how they perform at peak load, low load and part-load scenarios. Consider whether they are under energy effective control at the different levels of load.
• Rethink whether any changes in size, or other remedial measures would improve the performance of any oversized or undersized assets.
• For example, correctly sized motors ensure good levels of energy efficiency particularly for part-load operation. Consider replacing oversized motors with correctly-sized units to be a better match for the application and load.

3. Re-energize belt driven motor drives to be direct drives ($)

• Direct drives can be more energy efficient than belt driven motors as there are less moving parts; this means lower energy costs and less maintenance.
• A direct drive motor means the load is directly connected to the motor, without mechanical transmission elements such as gearboxes or belt and pulley systems.
• If re-engineering the motors isn’t cost effective, consider ways of reducing the friction and the energy consumption penalty of the mechanical transmission elements e.g. within the belt system.
• Discuss opportunities with specialist suppliers.

4. Upgrade to more efficient, cleaner equipment ($$)

• Look for opportunities to replace old inefficient process equipment with modern equivalents.
• Reconsider how part load operation can be controlled efficiently. Choosing high spec, efficient and smaller modular units of equipment can make it easier to switch equipment on and off to meet demand.
• Look for opportunities to reduce levels of friction (which increases energy losses) within distribution systems; for example, use larger ducts and pipes to minimize distribution energy consumption.
• Look for opportunities to use more environmentally-friendly fuels and refrigerants, and low or zero local emissions heating and cooling systems.

5. Rethink die-back control set-ups to be more on-demand ($$)

• Some approaches to control part-load operation are based on a dieback control philosophy; for example, when a materials’ handling process waits a fixed time period before going into suspend mode or switching off after any material has passed through.
• Control time delays are usually set up to avoid any risk and to double-check the smooth operation of the process. However, this comes with an energy consumption penalty.
• The good news is that there are always opportunities to reconfigure control set-ups to be more ‘on-demand’ with near instantaneous on/off control, which can significantly reduce the energy consumption of the process. This usually works well with multi-motor based systems.
• Discuss opportunities with operations colleagues and trial possible ideas. Continually rethink control set-ups in line with delivering best value for operational requirements and continually challenge the controls set-ups.

6. Use nearby located waste heat or renewable energy sources ($$$)

• Enquire in the local area as to whether there are any opportunities to use, recover and recycle any locally generated waste heat and power; either to power the process, or heat the facilities e.g., using waste biomass that would have otherwise been disposed of.
• If proposing biomass CHP or heating systems, review the local medium-term availability and sustainable supply of the appropriate renewable fuel sources. In addition, consider the impact of any local air emissions from the combustion processes.
• For process heating requirements, also look at opportunities to integrate solar thermal or photovoltaics into building roofing systems.

7. Set-up continual improvement processes

• Early on in any rethinking and redevelopment process, set an energy effective vision including associated organizational policies, strategies, metrics and targets designed to drive continual improvement. For example, this can be applied to the use of motors as a motor management policy.
• Set up the basic strategic checkpoints to regularly review overall performance and drive further continual optimization and improvement.
• Make use of tools such as dashboards to regularly communicate progress. 
• Synthesize the design intent into a set of key principles, useful to significant energy users, who can then implement the better operational practices and behaviors required.

8. Report on how long you can go

• As part of any rethinking process, forecast operational energy and other utilities consumption; think about low, high, and most probable energy productivity consumption levels.
• Involve operations and facilitates colleagues in the process to ensure forecasts are more realistic. Use this information as part of the energy improvement process for both colleagues and operational best practices.
• Develop consumption models that will also help review new saving opportunities, and drive continuous continual improvement of operational practices and behaviors going forward.

SUMMARY

There are always many opportunities to reduce the utilities consumption of process systems using performance improvement techniques.

We find following the 5-R categories helps ensure that remedial measures are considered in an order which, not only ensures lowest overall cost, but also right sizes subsequent investments in new process technology.

Download

If you would like the downloadable summary checklist for this, please contact us.

• It’s in Microsoft Word, but it can easily be converted to another Word processer, such as Google Docs. It’s read-only, so you’ll have to save your version onto your own drive to be able to modify it.
• You can then modify and develop this simplified checklist to suit your needs as required. Complete it on line or print it out (but remember: think before you print!)

For more detail about developing an approach to optimizing the energy performance of process systems, check out ISO 50001 and other related standards.

Written by James Brittain and Monica Landoni

James Brittain, Director of the Discovery Mill, has teamed up with his associate Kristina Allison from Lighting Enterprises to explain what is meant by lighting health-checks to help organizations answer some key questions.

Introduction

There are two key questions that organizations have to ask about their lighting. The first is: Do you know how good your existing lighting performance is? And the second is: How much more potential do you have to improve it?

When the answers to these questions are known, "where you need to be" can be compared with "where you are at the moment", and a lighting improvement strategy and action plans can be positioned to help close the gap and deliver more energy-effective lighting in the workplace.

Lighting typically accounts for between 10-30% of the total energy consumption cost of buildings.

Lighting heath-checks can be used as part of an Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) type energy audit, an ISO50001 energy review, or as a general performance check for the working environment to identify where energy performance improvement opportunities exist.

Energy Effective Lighting – Think Win-Win

We define "energy effective" lighting as the optimum level of lighting service that delivers best overall value to the organization and its business plan.  This represents "where you need to be."

This typically takes into account the impact on work productivity, reasons for enhanced lighting, security and safety requirements, operation and maintenance costs and overall energy and environmental performance.

By undertaking the health-check against this measure, we can easily identify ineffective lighting installations and thus recognize the opportunities to improve lighting performance overall to deliver increased energy savings, reduced costs and to generally give a better overall working environment.

This often translates into multiple business benefits, a win-win, to the organization.

Counting the People Factors

There are two simple tests we use to assess the people factor requirements for buildings.

First, we look to measure the actual utilization of the space by using people or occupancy counters. This can be done relatively simply by introducing temporary monitoring into buildings as part of the health-check review.

Even though our buildings are available for use 365 days a year, in practice many are only used Monday to Friday during core working hours.  The 3000 hours a year for our example office building is equivalent to 125 days a year, which equates to 34% overall utilization for the building.  When we take into account the fact that average total occupancy at any one time for this type of building is typically 45-65%, this utilization falls to less than 20%. This means that, on average, our lighting systems in the UK are only needed for less than 20% of the total time. Often, we find that lighting systems are left "on" for significantly longer periods than needed.

Second, we also look to speak directly to building users, whenever possible, to ask for their feedback on what they think about their lighting; this often includes asking about the levels of artificial lighting, day lighting and about opportunities to improve the system overall. We do this through simple discussions and interviews or further investigations, if required, by using a simple batch-type questionnaire.

During a recent building user questionnaire survey at an airport, lighting was identified as the most liked aspect of the working environment. The airport recognizes that its buildings are critical to delivering their business plan but they need to save more on running costs. Lighting has been targeted as the next key opportunity to make significant energy savings. We estimate that there are over $250,000 of energy savings available through replacement and upgrading the fittings and by introducing better lighting controls. We believe many of these projects will repay the money invested over a period of between 1 and 3 years.

Lamp and Luminaire Checks

Once we have analyzed the people factors, we move on to look more at the lamps and luminaires, initially in terms of the service that’s been provided.

We know the types of lamps used can insignificantly impact on occupant health, wellbeing and productivity. 

Offices are quite often now re-lamped with cooler bluer-colored fluorescent lamps or LED luminaires. This is because research has shown that this increases the perception of brightness resulting in increased alertness and mood. This is related to the "color temperature" of the lighting and is measured in degrees Kelvin. 

The amount of, and quality of light delivered is also a key factor. We look to take measurements using a "lux" meter at various points on the working plane and consider the results in terms of the task being undertaken and the people doing that task.

People in their forties, for example, may need twice as much light as those in their twenties to work at their optimum productivity.  Some tasks need a good reproduction of color and so lamps and luminaires with better color rendering characteristics need to be employed. 

Having reviewed the service levels, we can then assess performance in terms of efficiency and costs. To do this, there are a number of factors we need to take into account.

• Any overprovision of light levels means that the system is working harder and producing more light than it needs to.
• Consider the overall design approach using general and task lighting as appropriate.
• The type of lamp, luminaire and associated control gear or drivers will significantly impact on energy consumption and performance.
• The effective useful life of the installation is determined by "lamp life" (fittings failing outright) or "lumen life" (the degradation of light output below effective levels).
• The light-output ratio of the luminaire is a factor. If the reflectors, for example, don’t surround the lamp adequately, it can lead to significant losses in effective light output.
• The frequency of cleaning and dust left on luminaires also impact on effective light output. Maintenance costs of re-lamping and cleaning regimes.
• Are there opportunities for greater harnessing of natural daylight, for example, by using daylight blinds?

Even though the use of LED is often compelling, we don’t believe that a "blanket approach" should be taken for replacing existing systems with LED. A stated life of 50,000 hours is significantly more than the average 12,000 hours for a standard fluorescent lamp. It is important to think about useful life and the length of time the LEDs will maintain at least 70% of their rated lumen output (L70). Retrofitting for LED needs to be carefully thought about and a whole life cost assessment of the differing options, using the same timescales, can be an important part of the health-check review. 

On-demand Energy Performance

"Energy effective" lighting is a pragmatic measure of performance based on current requirements, assumptions and technology.

We often think of ultimate energy performance as being the point when we are absolutely confident that a system is only using what it needs – we call this ultimate level of service and performance "on-demand". It’s the ideal scenario and is very hard to reach, and is about pushing boundaries and finding new ways of doing things.

By understanding the potential "on-demand" energy performance of a lighting system, we can further analyze how much more potential there may be to save energy and think about the actions that will help to deliver even better value, both tactically in the short term and strategically in the medium to long term.

The opportunity to get closer to "on-demand" levels is often related to the use and performance of lighting controls.

A health-check would normally look to map the lighting zones within a building with a schedule of the controls, sensors and settings employed, and would include a review of their appropriateness and performance. This is a useful output of a health-check in itself.

Aspects of controls we look at would normally include the following:

• Sufficient levels of switching to enable luminaires to be switched on and off, as well their ability to control specific areas being illuminated. Often assigning responsibility is a good way to ensure lighting is switched off in shared spaces when they’re not in use.
• The ease of use of available switches, looking at their positioning in terms of accessibility and proximity to lighting circuits. A multi-switch panel should have clearly labelled individual switches to avoid lights being turned on by mistake or when not needed.
• The use of programmable time switches to switch lighting and lamps off when it is anticipated that there is sufficient daylight or when space is normally unoccupied.
• The use of light sensors to monitor lighting levels and automatically switch off or dim down lights when they’re not required.  Constant illuminance control can be an effective way of controlling light levels in a space that benefits from good daylighting. Intelligent lighting controls should be user friendly and easy to use.
• The use of presence detectors and occupancy sensors to avoid lighting being left on when a space is unoccupied.  Depending on operational requirements, it may be more appropriate for lighting to dim down to a set-back level if no-one is present in the space at the time.  Systems may include passive infrared (PIR), temperature and/or microwave sensors.

Opportunities to save energy can often be found by challenging the existing control strategies and settings.

When we looked at the lighting performance of an underground railway station, we found a T8 florescent lighting scheme was running continuously 24 hours a day, consuming over 100,000 kWh of electricity a year.  By using people counters we found that the average utilization of the space was less than 20%. Taking into account opportunities for upgrading the lamps and controls, the potential short-term savings opportunity was estimated at 50%, with a further 25% available in the longer term through better control of lighting for the space.

We also often find modern lighting controls that are no longer performing to their original design intent. Specifying a continuous approach to system commissioning is a key part of the on-demand energy performance philosophy. 

Lighting Health-Checks – The Opportunity

The future of lighting is rapidly heading towards LED technology as the dominant source of artificial light used in buildings. New lamps and luminaires are being developed, increasing in light output and falling in price, making it a great opportunity to upgrade your lighting at the moment.

Because of this rapid pace of lighting product development, we now recommend that it is prudent to undertake a lighting system health-check at least every 3 to 5 years.

We can find that replacing an installation that is 10 years old with today’s technology can potentially halve the overall operating costs, improve the lighting quality and may lead to payback in less than 3 years, at which point it begins to contribute to the bottom line.

As the total cost of lighting is usually a fraction of the cost of the wage bill, there are usually also people reasons to improve installations as well to improve the overall working environment.

Recommendations of a health-check are application specific and focus on the actions that will make the biggest difference. This should include delivering a continuous optimization of energy performance in the longer term. The object is to make systems "fit" and then make sure those lighting systems stay fit.

Once you’ve undertaken a health-check, and made the changes as required, you can be confident that your systems are "energy effective" – fit for purpose, fit for your customers and fit for the planet.