For too long we in America have been wasting time blaming the energy industry or the government for failure to adopt a national energy strategy, when we should take part of the responsibility in creating the plan. Leaders throughout this nation and throughout the world must drive the process for energy sustainability by evaluating how they can best leverage their natural resources. It is important that we evaluate our own energy usage and how that impacts the environment.
From my experiences in the energy industry and in business development, I share with you my thoughts as to how best approach the challenges. Many reading this article may have already implemented an energy plan yet I encourage you to continue to fine tune your energy goals and objectives.
The following points involve leadership performance that leads to energy sustainability. The points can be used by a leader individually and/or the leader’s team/business to achieve energy and environmental goals. The applications can be used at home, business, and institutions. The following steps are not just for those residing in America, but globally as well.
1. Prioritize energy usage.
Power generation- Determine not only the energy costs but the resources of the energy being used. Utilize the best source of energy, i.e. natural gas, wind, solar, other.
Evaluate energy usage by determining the best use of lighting, heating and air conditioning, temperature control, office equipment…How many light bulbs are in use and actually needed? How many hours are lights left in use/on per month? How many hours are used for AC/Heat per month?
How often are air filters changed and should be changed?
Transportation- Review current and actual transportation needs.
How many miles are driven per month? How many gallons of gasoline are used per month? How many miles are flown per month? What are the current costs? What equipment uses the most energy?
Evaluate the best transportation for future usage, i.e. electric vehicle, CNG vehicle…
2. Establish guidelines for environmental preservation.
First, it is important to determine the use of water and how to improve its usage.
A review of Wastewater, Air, Recycling and Remediation areas should be implemented. A plan of action should be created and executed.
3. Achieve Energy Efficiency- residential and business.
Areas of review should include the consideration of the following:
-Solid state lighting (LED’s)
-Smart windows
-Insulations
-HVAC
-Organic Solar Cells
-Carbon composites
-Energy efficient products.
4. Develop and Maintain Energy Infrastructure.
Among the ways that can improve energy infrastructure:
-Automation
-Smart Metering
-Smart Grid
-Natural Gas Applications
-Rooftop solar PV
-Wind
5. Create A Working Energy Sustainability Plan(s) and Goals.
What other ways can we strive for energy efficiency and environmental preservation?
It is important to establish realistic and achievable goals. For example, it may be good to set a goal based upon a percentage of energy costs savings over a period of years. You will need to measure…create a budget. For example, include your utility companies by asking for their advice.
This article is an overview of how to begin to design and implement an energy plan which achieves energy sustainability. I hope it is a helpful tool. It is time for us to take the lead in evaluating our energy impact individually and in the workplace. Together, we can make a difference!
Please let me know what you think, go to www.peoplesenergyplan.com
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