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Having a strong, proactive energy management strategy backed by smart energy analytics should be a priority for organizations looking to optimize operations and identify saving opportunities, and energy benchmarking is a key tool in the modern enterprise arsenal.

PK EMS ENABLES DATA-DRIVEN BENCHMARKING

An ENERGY STAR Service and Product Partner (SSP), ProKarma EMS offers a comprehensive benchmarking module as part of its hosted and managed Energy Management Solution (EMS). PK’s EMS benchmarking offering brings a workflow-based single window facility for end-to-end lifecycle, from site and facility selection to obtaining ratings and certifications. EMS operates as a system of record for utility and facility data and offers 99.975 percent in bill data accuracy, including granular meter reading attributes and charges. The system can automatically consume Energy Star Automated Benchmarking System (ABS) web services, for a seamless transmission of facility and energy data.

PK can help you eliminate lengthy paperwork by providing a simple process for first-time and recurring monthly submissions. We make it easy to manage changes in facility attributes and view graphical drill-down features to handle meter changes, supply and utility situations and gap analysis. Our team obtains and publishes Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings and certifications within 72 hours and normalizes meter usage and spend data. We also proactively manage the changes made to ABS web services, taking the burden off IT teams.

PK’s benchmarking module has a robust graphical user interface-based workflow that helps users select site and facilities and make space attributes in line with EPA definitions and requirements. Users can add multiple buildings under one facility space and approve attributes within the system. The system automatically submits all attributes, meter information, demand and spend data, and calendar normalized meter usage to EPA. In addition, the PK offering lets users conduct a bulk upload of facility benchmarking via an automated comma-separated values (CSV) web service. PK offers its ABS Benchmarking workflow as a stand-alone Software as a Service (SaaS) solution or as a managed service.  A robust set of reports includes:

ES-Benchmarking Summary Report: A quick dashboard glance of each facility, attributes, meter and energy spend data, rating status and rating
Facility and Site Benchmarking Track Sheet: A review of each facility’s status by workflow
Site Benchmarking Report: A detailed monthly view of each site and facility benchmarking activity, including errors (if any)
Facility and Site Energy Star Status: A report of the latest EPA statuses submitted with the EPA portfolio manager
Site Summary Report: Also called a Site 360 degree report, presents a comprehensive view of all site reports

ENERGY FORECAST & BUSINESS IMPACT

Commercial and industrial buildings are responsible for a sizable percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, and energy managers are facing growing pressure to meet or beat industry energy use averages and adopt smarter energy practices. Eighty percent of greenhouse gas emissions result from energy-consuming activities. Today, 50 percent of the U.S. relies on coal, a fossil fuel, and global energy demand isn’t slowing down. In fact, it is expected to grow by 57 percent over the next 25 years.
Demand for all types of energy is projected to increase in the U.S. by nearly one-third over the next 25 years. Electricity demand alone is expected to grow by 40 percent by 2032. To keep up with this increased demand, power generation will need to equal nearly 300 power plants (1,000 megawatts) to meet electricity demand by 2030.
If energy prices also soar in light of increased demand and constrained supply, businesses could be hit by reduced profits due to high operating costs, a decline in sales of products that use energy and reduced competitiveness in energy-intensive markets. Supply chains could also be disrupted if suppliers become unable to meet cost obligations or go bankrupt.

TAKE ACTION NOW

There aren’t any shortcuts to energy management, but five steps can help organizations get started:
• Master fundamentals of energy management
• Analyze and evaluate short-term and long-term investments and strategic energy decisions
• Search out business transformation opportunities for energy management, procurement and use
• Prepare contingent strategies for emerging future scenarios
• Take personal action