Energy management software Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

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Energy Management Questions

Whether you are starting out in energy management or consider yourself an expert in the field, energy management is a constantly evolving and developing discipline. Its principles and practices have been employed by businesses across multiple industries to bring down energy costs and kWh consumption, optimize operations, reduce waste, and very importantly, cut GHG in response to climate regulations.

Technology has enabled energy management professionals and teams to plan, execute, and evaluate energy management strategies through machine-learning, big data, and energy analytics as well as monitoring and controlling technologies. A quick google search of energy management related technologies, will have your screen flooded with acronyms such as EMS, EMIS, ERP, BMS, EnMS, BAS and more.

What do these acronyms mean? Where do these fit in the energy management technology landscape? How do you know which technology or solution is right for your business?

If you are asking yourself these questions, read on. The following sets out to explain these terms and their applications, whie also addressing some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about energy management.

1. What is an energy management system?

Energy management systems (EMS or EnMS) are commonly referred to computer-aided tools or software used to monitor, control, and optimize energy performance of domestic and commercial real estate; equipment; operations and manufacturing facilities in virtually any industry.

Energy management systems are often segmented on the basis of application, eg. utility energy management system (think SCADA), industrial energy management system, facility energy management system, building energy management system, residential energy management and so on.

While the functionality of each of these systems may vary, at its core, an energy management system is designed to assist energy professionals effectively manage and reduce the kWh and costs associated with their business and operations in an environmentally responsible and compliant manner.

It&#;s important to note that there is a distinct difference between energy management systems and energy management software&#;that being automated control of facility/building equipment, machinery and other systems such as HVAC, lighting and more&#;which is a feature commonly found in energy management systems. Energy management dashboards and platforms are data and analytical powerhouses that are key to:

• Analyzing consumption trends and anomalies;
• Measuring and verifying the impact of energy saving actions/projects;
• Identifying energy intensive equipment/areas, waste and improving operational efficiency;
• Reporting on the data required for energy compliance and certification; and much more.

While utility/industrial/facility energy management systems have the ability to monitor and automate control of building systems, they often lack the analytical capability to identify key energy savings opportunities.

2. What features should I be looking for in an energy management software?

Energy management software is the technology enabler providing data-driven insights through big data and analytics assisting facility managers, building energy managers, utilities, energy suppliers, energy service companies (ESCOs) and consultants to make informed decisions about energy and cost saving actions and strategies.

It brings together hardware, software, and data into one platform that allows energy management teams to remotely monitor, analyze energy, water, gas, and other business data from one central system.

The ability to analyze data through analytics, and develop actionable insights, is where the value lies. A good energy management software will have (but not limited to) the following tools, features or functionality:

• Monitor and track total consumption values, as well as sub-metered buildings, sites, facilities and industrial equipment eg. HVAC, lighting, compressors and so forth. (Energy review/audit &#; a key requirement of ISO  energy management certification)
• Assist energy managers assess areas of operational waste, as well as opportunities for energy and cost savings
• Accept varied types of data&#;energy, gas, water, temperature, and other business data from meters, sensors, data loggers and other IoT devices (eg. like occupancy, number of booked rooms, produced units etc.)
• Track and monitor CO2/GHG emissions
• Upload of historical data
• Provide interval meter data, with accompanying graph representation and analytical capability
• Machine-learning technology to identify energy consumption trends, identify peak demand
• Monitor and benchmark energy KPIs
• Smart notifications to alerts energy management teams of unexpected patterns
• Define, track and report on energy saving actions
• Measurement, verification and evaluation of energy saving projects &#; create baseline energy measurements, import variable data, create energy savings model (regression analysis) and reporting
• Integrate with 3rd party systems and APIs eg. Salesforce, WattWatchers, Solaredge
• Ability to scale as a project grows
• Connect to multiple hardware devices

3. What is the difference between an energy management software and building management system (BMS)/building automation system (BAS)?

Perhaps the most significant difference between energy management software and building management systems/automation systems is automated control of building equipment such as heat pumps, lighting, HVAC as well as other electrical and mechanical equipment&#;a key feature of BMS/BAS systems. BMS systems can remotely turn ON/OFF, change settings of equipment meaning that they can send controlling signals to equipment. Energy management software does not include these controlling features.

While energy management software has the ability to be integrated with BMS/BAS systems, it is largely geared toward delivering the analysis tools to dig deeper into energy patterns, incorporate historical data to identify trends, compare data across different periods, evaluate areas of operational waste/savings, measure and verify saving actions&#;which are not part of the capabilities of BAS/BMS systems. BAS/BMS systems simply don&#;t have the analytical muscle to conduct in-depth insight needed for long-term energy efficiency improvements.

4. How do I begin saving energy energy in my building or site?

The first step to saving energy in a building or site is to perform a site survey to gain a better understanding of your:

• Project environment eg. network availability: Is local internet (LAN) available for data transfer?
• Project requirements eg. What do I want to monitor? Are there metering devices installed? Do I need sub-metering? What other data would be relevant to apply to the project that is unique to the building/site/facility eg. production, floor area size etc.
• Project goals and objectives of the monitoring and targeting project e.g. what are my energy savings goals? What are the outcomes to be achieved? How will these be measured?

It is critically important to establish the project environment, requirements, goals and objectives, before integrating software and analytics to accurately monitor and evaluate the impact of energy saving projects and actions.

5. What role does energy management software play in ISO ?

Energy management software is really the key ingredient when starting the process towards achieving the ISO standard. Without the advanced analytical capability that is at the core of energy management software, performing the calculations and generating the insights needed for reporting & compliance become near impossible.

Through advanced analytics software and tools, found in energy management software platforms and dashboards, users are able to:

• Conduct an energy review, identify energy intensive and costly appliances/equipment and sites and establish baseline energy consumption for energy savings projects
• Monitor and track Energy Performance Indicators EnPIs
• Measure and track progress towards energy targets
• Monitor, measure, analyse, evaluate, audit energy performance
• Take actions to address abnormal/deviant behavior or trends and continually improve energy performance and efficiency
• Prove efficiency of Energy Conservation Measure implemented using IPMVP methodology
• Build linear regression models

6. On-premise vs cloud-based energy management software &#; what&#;s the difference?

Energy management software can be segmented according to deployment &#;

1. Cloud-based energy management software
2. On-premise energy management solution (stand alone application, deployed locally)

Cloud-based energy management software is hosted and maintained by the service provider eg. EnergyCAP energy and sustainability software is hosted on AWS and the platform/user interface is accessed by users through a web browser. On-premise energy management software on the other hand, is installed locally in a premises&#; servers and computers and can work without the internet connection.

Cloud-based and on-premise energy management software can also differ on the basis of pricing, security, customization, maintenance, lifecycle.

Pricing &#; On premise energy management software traditionally has a once off cost/licensed to buyers, whereas cloud based energy management software works on a subscription basis, whereby users pay a monthly subscription for the use of the software. Furthermore, on-premise solutions often incur additional costs, in set-up and installation and where additional hardware may be required. Conversely, cloud-based solutions can be set up and accessed by users in a matter of minutes&#;no upfront costs or installation teams required. In order to deploy a system with advanced analytics capabilities like Wattics, you&#;d need servers and IT environment costing ~$10 000&#;50 000 depending on the size of the project.

Security &#; Security is an important consideration when considering a software solution that house sensitive data. It is crucial to ensure that when comparing solutions, that vendor security policies and procedures be taken into account? Do they comply with GDPR? Providers of cloud-based energy management software is taken care of by the vendor, while security of on-premise energy management software falls on the users themselves. Companies opting for on-premise solutions should consider whether they have the in-house expertise to maintain the highest security standards to avoid breaches. With Wattics&#; integration method, the energy management platform does not intervene with the local network which prevents creating a weak chain and network therefore, stays closed and secure.

Customization &#; While on premise software solutions excel in customization, highly customized solutions come with the risk of being difficult to scale, update and maintain. While cloud-based solutions don&#;t offer much opportunity for customization, vendors offering these solutions are constantly working to develop new tools and features to meet customers requirements as their energy management needs evolve. New tools and features are made readily available to use and are updated by the service provider without user action required.

Maintenance &#; Maintenance is also a key consideration &#; cloud-based solution providers are responsible for the consistent maintenance, security and software updates of their software platform, while these responsibilities are those of the users when employing a on-premise energy management software. Extra support, time and costs may be incurred if the in house skills are lacking to oversee maintenance activities.

Cloud-based energy management software solutions will continue to grow over next years as these technologies continue to help energy professionals saving energy and adhere to energy conservation and efficiency mandates as well as support bottom-line profits.

If you are starting a new energy management project, looking for an energy management software to manage energy and certification projects, and/or looking to reduce kWh consumption, costs and improve overall efficiency in your company or organization, EnergyCAP Smart Analytics has you covered!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website prepaid energy meter.

To learn more about how EnergyCAP Smart Analytics can help your business or help you manage energy projects on behalf of your customers, send us a request using the contact form below &#; and let&#;s start the conversation!

This post is part of our series on getting a remote production engineer job.

If you're preparing for production engineer interviews, see also our comprehensive interview questions and answers for the following production engineer specializations:

1. Can you tell us about a time when you identified an opportunity to improve energy efficiency in a production process?

During my time at XYZ Company, I noticed that the production process for one of our products was using a significant amount of energy. I decided to investigate and found that we were using outdated machinery that was not energy efficient.

1. I researched newer, more efficient machinery and presented my findings to the production manager.
2. After receiving approval, we made the investment in the new machinery.
3. As a result, we were able to reduce energy usage by 30% for that specific product line.
4. This not only led to cost savings in energy bills but also improved our carbon footprint and overall sustainability efforts.
5. Additionally, the new machinery produced higher-quality products at a faster rate, improving overall production efficiency.

Overall, identifying and addressing the issue not only improved energy efficiency but also had a positive impact on our company's bottom line and sustainability efforts.

2. How do you track and analyze energy usage in a facility?

Tracking and analyzing energy usage in a facility is crucial for identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing effective energy management strategies. At my previous company, we utilized a software program that monitored energy usage in real-time, allowing us to identify patterns and trends as they occurred.

1. First, we installed sensors throughout the facility to collect data on electricity, gas, and water usage.
2. The data was then uploaded to our software program and analyzed on a regular basis. This allowed us to identify problem areas such as equipment that was using too much energy or areas in the facility where energy was being wasted.
3. Using this data, we were able to implement changes that resulted in significant energy savings. For example, we identified several pieces of equipment that were operating inefficiently and replaced them with more energy-efficient models. As a result, we were able to reduce our monthly energy consumption by 15%.
4. In addition to analyzing real-time data, we also conducted regular energy audits to identify areas for improvement. For example, during one audit, we discovered that our lighting system was consuming a significant amount of energy. We replaced the existing fixtures with LED lights, resulting in a 20% reduction in energy consumption.

Overall, our approach to tracking and analyzing energy usage allowed us to identify areas for improvement and implement effective energy management strategies. As a result, we were able to significantly reduce our energy consumption and save money on our monthly energy bills.

3. Can you discuss your experience with implementing energy management systems?

I have extensive experience in implementing energy management systems, specifically in my previous role as the Energy Manager for XYZ Corporation. One of the major initiatives I led during my tenure was the implementation of a comprehensive energy management system across all facilities, resulting in a 15% reduction in energy consumption in the first year alone.

1. To begin, I conducted a thorough energy audit of each facility to identify areas of high energy consumption and potential areas for improvement. This included analyzing utility bills, surveying equipment, and observing daily operations.
2. Based on the results of the energy audit, I developed a detailed energy management plan that included specific goals, timelines, and strategies for reducing energy consumption. This plan was presented to the executive team for approval and buy-in.
3. I worked closely with facility managers and employees to ensure successful implementation of the energy management plan. This involved providing training on energy-efficient practices, conducting regular energy assessments, and monitoring and reporting progress towards energy reduction goals.
4. In addition to implementing the energy management plan, I also oversaw the installation of energy-efficient equipment and technology, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and HVAC upgrades. These measures resulted in significant energy savings while also improving comfort and productivity for employees.
5. To track and measure the success of our energy management system, I implemented a robust data tracking and reporting system. This allowed me to identify areas where we needed to make adjustments and to share progress updates with the executive team and employees.

Overall, my experience with implementing energy management systems has proven to be highly effective in reducing energy consumption and costs. I have a proven track record of successfully implementing energy management plans and strategies, and I am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to any organization looking to improve their energy efficiency.

4. How do you stay updated on new technologies and advancements in energy management?

Staying updated on new technologies and advancements in energy management is crucial. To ensure I am always up-to-date, I regularly attend conferences and seminars related to the industry. For example, last year, I attended the Annual Energy Management Conference in San Francisco where I gained insights on current industry trends and emerging technologies.

In addition to that, I also subscribe to industry-specific newsletters and magazines. For instance, I subscribe to Energy Manager Today, a daily newsletter that provides updates on the latest advancements in energy management. In the past six months, I learned about a new Energy Management System that helped a client save 15% on their monthly energy costs, thanks to an article in the magazine.

I also make sure to network with other professionals in the industry through LinkedIn and attend meetups with other professionals. Doing so helps me to stay informed and updated on new advancements in energy management.

• Attended Annual Energy Management Conference in San Francisco
• Subscribe to Energy Manager Today newsletter
• Learned about new Energy Management System that saved a client 15% on energy costs
• Network with other professionals in the industry through LinkedIn and meetups

5. What steps do you take to ensure compliance with environmental regulations?

Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations is a top priority for me. In my previous role at XYZ Company, I implemented a comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS) which ensured compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations.

• The first step was to conduct an audit of our operations to identify areas of risk and opportunities for improvement.
• Based on the audit findings, we developed an action plan that included regular monitoring, training for all employees on proper waste disposal and storage, and the implementation of a closed-loop water recycling system.
• We also implemented a system to track energy usage and emissions, which allowed us to identify areas of waste and inefficiencies.
• As a result of these measures, we were able to reduce our water usage by 30% and cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 20% over the course of two years.

Regular engagement with regulatory and compliance bodies was also a key factor in ensuring compliance. I maintained open lines of communication with the relevant authorities and regularly reviewed our processes and procedures to ensure that they met the latest regulatory requirements.

Overall, my focus on compliance and commitment to sustainability has resulted in tangible improvements for both the environment and the bottom line.

6. How do you prioritize energy efficiency initiatives in a production setting?

In my experience, prioritizing energy efficiency initiatives in a production setting involves a combination of factors. First, I would analyze the energy usage data for the production facility and identify areas where energy consumption is highest. From there, I would prioritize initiatives that target those high-consumption areas.

1. I have previously implemented a system that monitored energy consumption in real-time, allowing us to quickly identify spikes in usage and take action to mitigate them. This resulted in a 20% reduction in overall energy consumption.
2. Additionally, I would assess the financial and resource costs of each initiative and prioritize those that have the highest return on investment or require less upfront investment. For example, I implemented a lighting upgrade in a production facility that resulted in a 30% reduction in energy consumption, but only required a moderate investment upfront.
3. Finally, I prioritize initiatives that have a positive impact on employee productivity and safety. For example, I implemented a temperature control system that not only reduced energy consumption by 15%, but also improved employee comfort and reduced the risk of equipment malfunction due to temperature fluctuations.

Ultimately, prioritizing energy efficiency initiatives requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account energy usage data, financial and resource costs, and employee productivity and safety. By focusing on these factors, I have been able to successfully implement initiatives resulting in significant energy savings and improved production efficiency.

7. Can you share an example of a successful project you completed that reduced energy consumption?

During my time at XYZ Energy Solutions, I worked on a project for a large manufacturing company that aimed to reduce their energy consumption through optimizing their production processes. One major aspect of the project was identifying and addressing energy inefficiencies in their manufacturing equipment.

1. First, we conducted an energy audit of the facility to identify sources of energy waste.
2. Then, we worked with the company's engineering team to develop and implement new processes that reduced energy consumption in their equipment.
3. We also installed sensors and meters on key equipment to collect data on their energy usage.
4. Through these efforts, we were able to reduce the energy consumption of the manufacturing equipment by 20%.

In addition to the reduction in energy consumption, the project also resulted in significant cost savings for the company. They were able to reduce their annual energy expenses by over $100,000, leading to a quick return on investment for the project.

The success of this project demonstrates my ability to identify and address energy inefficiencies, work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, and deliver tangible results that benefit both the environment and the bottom line. I look forward to bringing this expertise to my next role at Remote Rocketship.

8. How do you collaborate with other departments to improve energy efficiency?

At my previous organization, collaborating with other departments to improve energy efficiency was an integral part of my job as an Energy Manager. To begin with, I would conduct a thorough analysis to identify areas with potential for energy savings. Then, I would strategize with the heads of various departments to outline goals and objectives for improving energy efficiency.

1. During one project with the HR department, we identified that the HVAC system in the building was being left on during non-business hours. This led to unnecessary energy consumption and costs. We worked together to update the policy on shutting off lights and all electric devices when not in use or after business hours which lead to an annual saving of 5% in energy costs.
2. On another project, I collaborated with the facilities department to schedule regular maintenance checks for all HVAC systems which resulted in an additional 8% reduction in energy consumption and cost savings.
3. With the help of the finance department, we implemented an energy metering system to measure and track real-time energy consumption. The energy data we collected was used to assess the effectiveness of various energy-saving initiatives, and to identify further areas of improvement. This led to a 12% reduction in energy consumption and cost savings, annualized.

Overall, I believe that collaboration with other departments is essential to improving energy efficiency in any organization. By working together, we can develop effective solutions, track progress systematically and achieve tangible results.

9. Can you discuss your experience with conducting energy audits?

During my previous role at XYZ Energy Solutions, I had the opportunity to conduct energy audits for numerous commercial and residential properties. One particular project that stands out was for a local school district that was looking to reduce their energy consumption and costs.

1. First, I reviewed the school's energy bills and analyzed their usage patterns.
2. Next, I conducted an onsite inspection of the school's HVAC systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming equipment.
3. Based on my findings, I recommended several energy-saving measures including upgrading the school's lighting to LED bulbs, replacing their old HVAC units with more efficient models, and implementing a building automation system to better manage energy usage.
4. After implementing these changes, I conducted a follow-up audit and found that the school had reduced their energy usage by 27% and saved over $50,000 annually on their energy bills.

Overall, my experience with conducting energy audits has allowed me to identify opportunities for energy savings and recommend solutions that can significantly impact the bottom line of my clients.

10. What metrics do you track to measure the success of energy management initiatives?

As an energy management professional, I understand that tracking metrics is crucial to measure the success of energy management initiatives. Some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) that I track include:

1. Electricity Consumption: I track the energy consumed by the organization on a monthly and yearly basis. Through my efforts, I have successfully reduced electricity consumption by 20% in the past year.
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: I monitor the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by the organization. I have successfully reduced emissions by 10% in the past year by implementing energy-efficient practices and renewable energy solutions.
3. Water Usage: I track the amount of water used by the organization to identify opportunities to reduce water usage. We have decreased our water usage by 15% in the past year due to my efforts.
4. Cost Savings: I track the cost savings achieved through energy management initiatives. Through my efforts, we were able to save $100,000 in energy bills in the past year.
5. Employee Engagement: I believe that employee engagement is crucial to the success of energy management initiatives. I track employee engagement through surveys and meetings to ensure that all team members are invested in energy-efficient practices.

By tracking these key metrics, I have been able to successfully implement energy management initiatives that have resulted in significant cost savings, reduced energy consumption, and improved sustainability for the organization.

Conclusion

Congratulations on preparing for your energy management job interview with these 10 common questions and answers! But the interview is just one part of the job search process. Your next steps should include crafting a captivating cover letter and a polished CV that showcases your skills. Check out our guide on writing a stand-out cover letter to grab your potential employer's attention. Our CV writing guide will help you put together an impressive resume that highlights your professional achievements. Once you have your cover letter and CV ready to go, be sure to check out our remote production engineer job board for the latest job opportunities. Good luck on your job search!