Energy Management Systems Explained

If your organisation would like to improve internal energy management and sustainability, then an energy management system (EMS) is an effective way to reach these objectives. With the right strategy and supporting software, you will be able to reduce energy and water consumption, as well as costs. And the good news is that you can do this while still meeting all operational expectations. Whether you are a businessman, a property owner, or a building manager, and EMS can create new environmentally-friendly opportunities for your business.

What are energy management systems?

Energy management systems (EMSs) are essential to businesses and property owners who want to reduce energy usage and save on energy costs. The systems have been designed to monitor how much water, gas, and electricity is being consumed. By relying on reporting statistics, you can track power usage patterns to make informed energy-saving decisions.

In short, energy management is the process of collecting data on where, when, how, and why your business is using energy. This information can then be used to improve energy efficiencies, reduce costs, and boost sustainability.

Most modern energy management systems use dedicated software to track meter readings, scrutinise complex invoices, and compile data so that it’s in a sensible format. This way, business owners and property managers can have a firm hand on a building’s water and power consumption without straining under paperwork.

What are the benefits of energy management software?

Energy management software is a great way to support energy efficiency. The software can be bought off the shelf (which is typically the more affordable option) or it can be developed to the more unique needs of your organisation. Most off-the-shelf energy management software solutions can, however, work just as effectively as a custom software product and can pose the following benefits:

• It can improve your brand image. By implementing an energy management system, you can add a key component to an environmentally friendly process. Your clients, suppliers, and employees will recognise this as an active role in sustainability and are likely to applaud your brand for its optimism towards quality planning and management.
• It can help to reduce energy costs. By using systematic and quality energy management software, users can cut costs up to one-third of their original overhead charges. Even the most basic systems can guarantee an average saving of 10% on all energy costs.
• It can play an active role in increasing productivity. By reviewing a building’s energy consumption, you will have the information you need to redirect energy sources to where it can be used more productively. This especially applies to companies where some departments may benefit from having access to more power sources whilst others could easily function on less.
• It enhances the morale of an organisation. When organisations actively work to improve processes that can be to the benefit of employees (and the world as a whole), then it can have an incredibly positive effect on the work culture of the company.

What to Look Out for In Energy Management Technologies

When energy consumption is deliberately monitored, controlled, and conserved, then the result is a refined business setting that moves towards sustainability whilst increasing productivity (a win-win solution). Such energy management technologies can take on many shapes and sizes, but they all have similar motives. When sourcing an EMS for your organisation, ensure that the software you choose is:

• User-friendly
• Secure
• Reliable
• Scalable

Implementing a Business Energy Management Strategy

To get the most out of your energy management software, it needs to work together with a business management strategy.

What is a business energy management strategy?

An organisation’s energy strategy is a documented plan that focuses on how energy will be managed to meet policy objectives. This strategy or plan will work most effectively when it includes clear and attainable objectives. Essentially, it should be able to answer the following questions:

1. Who will oversee energy management?
2. Are there any energy consumption regulations that apply to your organisation? If so, what do you need to do to comply?
3. Is an investment required to take full advantage of energy-saving opportunities? If the answer is yes, how much will need to be invested?
4. Where does your organisation currently get its energy from – and are you happy with the service?
5. Do you have access to the best energy management software?
6. Do your employees support your energy management goals and will they engage them?
7. Do you have an effective internal and external communications network to keep everyone in the loop about energy-saving endeavours?
8. Will you have the resources to administer regular reviews to ensure that your management strategy is kept on track?

Sourcing the Best Business Energy Deals and Comparing Quotes

If your organisation is eager to improve energy management and sustainability, then selecting the right energy management software is paramount. However, EMS information can often be hard to come by and with so many different energy management software products to choose from, finding a solution for your establishment’s objectives can be a daunting task.

But that’s where Simply Switch can be of service. “Simply” use our business energy comparison tool to source and compare energy quotes and software management solutions for your business.

Cheap business energy is an option if you know where to look and if you have someone giving guidance along the way.