Strategic Energy Management as a Resource through 50001 Ready

Strategic Energy Management (SEM) is defined by the CEE as “taking a holistic approach to managing energy use in order to continuously improve energy performance, by achieving persistent energy and cost savings over the long term.” Utilities and third-party implementers provide SEM programs nationwide to teach the principles of SEM to customers, but there is no singular consistency in content, incentives, and continuity of SEM program offerings, nor is there consistent expectation that a SEM program leaves the customer with a continual improvement energy management business practice that will sustain realized energy savings. As a result, many SEM programs are not considered reliable resource offerings. The ISO 50001 international energy management standard provides actionable definition to SEM with measurable requirements of a holistic energy management system. Companies who maintain certification show persistence and growth of savings over nearly a decade. Energy savings outcomes typically result in 3–5% annual improvements in facility-wide energy performance, far exceeding business-as-usual expectations. The U.S. DOE developed 50001 Ready as a means to achieve and be recognized as ISO 50001 conformant without the often intimidating requirements of certification. Utilities around the country are integrating the award-winning, free 50001 Ready Navigator tool and DOE recognition into their SEM programs to cost-effectively enhance commercial and industrial SEM offerings. 50001 Ready–recognized customers have proven to demonstrate full functionality of their energy management system, giving confidence that realized savings will persist and ultimately de-risking SEM as a resource.