Energy

A general view of the scheme

Energy is a vital resource for all businesses, from the smallest to the largest, when it comes to buildings (heating, lighting, etc.) and industrial activities (processes). This energy is regularly misused because of over-dimensioned or poorly performing equipment, and because of inappropriate behaviour by users.

Energy is absorbing an ever increasing proportion of company expenditure and companies are now looking to take action to reduce their energy bills. It is possible to meet their needs by means of collective action.

The first stage consists of finding out how energy is used by each company. The project leaderThe person who coordinates the project. draws up an inventory, using an assessment. This enables actions to be chosen to suit the places where energy is used.

The project leader can then help companies by means of 4 types of actions, which provide answers to the following questions:

Understanding a company’s energy consumption

What energy do companies use? How does their energy use change? Which areas use the most energy (and are therefore the greatest potential source of savings)? It is vital to help companies to understand their energy consumption: as a result, training, information, sharing experience, etc. can be offered.

Reducing energy consumption

Based on the assessment, actions are suggested where potential for improvement has been identified. Action can then be taken regarding the behaviour of users (awareness campaign) or facilities (joint management of a project to improve facilities within several companies).

Reducing the cost of consumption

One company alone is too small to influence the price of the energy it uses. It is therefore possible to bring companies together or help them choose a new supplier.

Encouraging the use of renewable energy

Having implemented projects to reduce consumption, companies can then turn to renewable energy. This may prove to be a beneficial investment for certain companies. The project leader provides them with information and helps them with their set-up project.