Guidebook for Energy Efficiency in Municipalities

Energy planning concept versus single actions
A4
There are different levels on which the energy relevant activities can be planned and
implemented. On the one hand, there are comprehensive energy planning concepts
(energy management action plans), which usually include the following parts:
well defined objectives,
analysis of the current situation,
analysis of possible measures and scenarios,
definition of actions and projects,
implementation and evaluation.
Depending on the scope and degree of details, the literature differs between simple or
standard energy planning concepts, climate protection plans, and programs for
sustainability, which are the most comprehensive ones.
On the other hand, there is the possibility of implementing single measures that are not
connected or embedded in a comprehensive energy planning concept. Experience has
shown that often too much time and effort is spent in order to design a comprehensive,
far-reaching, and complete energy efficiency action plan. Hence, a strategy characterized
by the motto: “courage for the gap” is preferred then.
The idea is to identify and compare different measures only very rough without collecting
a pile of comprehensive data and without designing a whole action plan. Rather only a
single measure can be selected and implemented as a single project right away.
Energy management as a continuous process
It cannot be over-emphasized that energy management is a long-term commitment, not
just something that is carried out once and then passes through. If the energy manager
has implemented the review stage of the action plan properly, then a plan of continuous
improvement has already been instituted. However, the need for continuous improvement
is so overwhelming that it is presented separately here as well.
Policy
The Energy Manager should be involved in all capital works that affect energy use. These
works include:
• Office refurbishment
• New buildings
• Relocation to new premises
• New equipment purchases
• Maintenance
• Operational decisions about the use of buildings
Each of these represents an opportunity to greatly improve efficiency at very little cost -
or, on the other hand, a risk that a decision will be made that will significantly increase
energy costs. The energy manager should ensure that processes are established in order
to be able to provide input early in the decision making process. The later the energy
manager’s involvement, the more likely it is that the decision will be treated as final,
before he/she can change it.