Every management as a complex critical task that all individual and organization must handle effectively to reduce energy consumption and cost involves a careful analysis of energy usage pattern, identifying areas of waste, and implementation of energy saving practices and technologies.
These approaches rely on a combination of technical expertise and personal responsibility in making small changes that add up to significant savings over time. Efficient-energy management and sustainability are truly important concepts in the development of an advanced society. This effective energy management is not just about cutting costs, but promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprints as well.
Nevertheless, using less energy/electricity in our homes increases our energy security, reduces carbon-dioxide and other pollutants that are emitted from renewable sources of energy. Regardless of the methods used by homeowners to make their homes more efficient, any reduction in energy consumed directly reduces a home’s energy-related carbon emissions which correlates to the reduction of greenhouse gases released into our atmosphere and the overall improvement to human health and environment, research reveals.
Also, global energy crisis has contributed to painfully high inflation, higher energy, pushed many families into poverty, forced some factories to curtail output or even shut down, and slowed economic growth to the point that some countries are leading towards severe recession. It was estimated in 2022 that an additional 11million Europeans could be driven to poverty due to energy inflation.
Today, many countries like the United Kingdom, Netherland, Malta, Denmark, Nigeria, France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Greece are doing some things, but face challenging times ahead, says experts.
It would be easy to point the finger at one practice or industry and lay the blame for the entire energy crisis at their door, but that would be unrealistic interpretation of the cause of the crisis. But, I believe that individually we can minimize this energy usage by taking small, but smarter measures.
However, there are numerous approaches to energy management depending on your organization resources and goals, but choosing the smartest method can be challenging. By adopting a smart approach to energy management, we can all play an active role in conserving our planet’s resources and reducing our environmental impacts.
Using energy-efficient technologies and practices, installing LED lightning instead of traditional light bulbs, using high-efficient appliances, using Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and utilizing renewable energy sources are some of the technical expertise. So, it is advisable we replace old devices by energy efficient solutions. Hence, it is important to monitor energy consumption in order to identify areas for implementation.
Energy auditing is another smarter approach of assessing current usage. By auditing your building or having a comprehensive analysis of all the inputs and outputs in order to establish where you are currently using energy most efficiently, energy audit or smarter meters can boost business over their usage patterns and finding opportunities for savings.
According to Steve Chu, “as the saying goes, the Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stone; we transitioned to better solutions. The same opportunity lies before us with energy efficiency and clean energy”. So, by putting energy management at the top of your lists of priorities, you can reduce your carbon footprint, lower your power bills, and help make the world a greener place for future generations. And using less energy will enhance financial as well as environmental benefits. It is the right thing to do, and it helps both the earth and your finances.
Joe Kaeser asserted “sustainability is not just about adopting the latest energy-efficient technologies or turning to renewable source of power; sustainability is the responsibility of every individual. It is about changing our behavior and mindset to reduce power and water consumption, thereby helping to control emissions and pollution levels”.
Nonetheless, businesses should strive to reduce their energy consumptions in order to save money and support environmental sustainability by the practice of switching off equipment when not in use, using timers and control lighting, improving insulation and air sealing; and rescheduling regular maintenance.
Additionally, it may be beneficial to establish monitoring systems that allow you to constantly track and adjust your energy usage in order to maximize efficiency. We may consider alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power as these have the potentials to lower our utility costs significantly.
However, knowing and keeping track of how energy is used, putting in place energy efficient technologies, using smart practices to cut down waste, and managing energy is a key part of living in a healthy way
It would be easy to point the finger at one practice or industry and lay the blame for the entire energy crisis at their door, but that would be unrealistic interpretation of the cause of the crisis. But, I believe that individually we can minimize this energy usage by taking small, but smarter measures.
Energy demand is increasing at a faster pace all around the world and if not controlled it would lead to energy shortage or crisis. When we proactively and systematically monitor, control and optimize energy consumption and cost, then we are aware of the need to manage and preserve our environment.
By Okoko Chidozie Christian
chidochrisozonegold@yahoo.com, 09025179984
