9

2. Energy Management
2.1 Overview
While many chemical companies have tried to manage energy expenses by seeking cost-effective
fuel sources, few have investigated the substantial savings inherent in energy management.
Why? In simple terms, most manufacturing facilities lack organizational support for energy
management despite the fact that it improves production, performance and profits.

The term energy efficiency refers to practices and standards set forth in an energy management
plan. Energy efficiency initiatives should be selected for their ability to reduce expenses, build
revenue, and contain operating risk.

Figure 2.1 Flow Chart of Energy Efficiency Activities8

As illustrated by Figure 2.1, unchecked energy expenditures impact every area of production and
can actually decrease overall productivity. Facilities of all sizes, shapes, and functions use
energy, so the potential for energy-based productivity gains is pervasive. Energy management is
an ideal way to secure a competitive market advantage.8

2.2 Questions Concerning Current Management Plans

Companies that use management plans like Lean, Total Quality (TQ), Six Sigma, ISO 9000, and
Theory of Constraints to achieve world-class performance may wonder whether an energy
management (EM) program will work within their current initiatives and constraints. The
answer, in all cases, is a resounding yes! EM will complement any initiative, regardless of a
companys state in the process. Whether a companys just beginning TQ or is well into ISO
9000, it will still benefit from a strategic energy management program.

2.2.1 Lean
According to the principles of Lean manufacturing, there are seven forms of waste:
overproduction, unnecessary inventory, excessive transportation, inappropriate processing,
unnecessary motion, waiting, and defects. At least five and arguably, all seven, involve energy
waste. Clearly, efforts to manage energy are consistent with reducing waste.

2.2.2 Total Quality

Parallels exist between Total Quality and energy management as well. Both start with a
commitment from the top, are data driven, and involve a cultural change for all of the employees
in the organization. TQ provides many tools to make an EM program more effective.

8
Russell, C., Alliance to Save Energy, Energy Management Pathfinding: Understanding Manufacturers Ability and Desire to Implement Energy
Efficiency, March 2005.
 10

2.2.3 Six Sigma

Six Sigma, which is data driven, focuses on improving the quality of all processes, including
energy management plans. Similar to TQ, the tools of Six Sigma can and should be used to
enhance the quality of an effective EM program.

2.2.4 ISO 9000 and ISO 14000

ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 are also widely used in the chemical industry. These two standards
will work with EM to simultaneously build high quality into the EM program and to improve the
program as it develops over time.

2.2.5 Theory of Constraints

Theory of Constraints (TOC) is based on the concept that improving a few capacity constraint
resources in a production system will have the greatest impact on the bottom line. In energy
intensive industries like chemical processing, energy intensive equipment and operations are
frequently the largest bottlenecks in the process. When such equipment is truly a physical
constraint, reducing energy consumption per unit by increasing the flow rate at that piece of
equipment will significantly improve bottom-line performance.

2.3 Energy Management Strategy Guide

While technology is fundamental to increasing efficiency through energy management, the real
key (and often, the real hindrance) is the people charged with energy management duties. The
main goal of any company attempting to reduce energy consumption through the use of an
energy management plan should be to integrate the strategy into the daily operations and
responsibilities of its management and employees.

The following energy management strategy guide may be useful to individual companies
interested in developing a plan of action. It is important to note that energy management motives
and approaches vary from company to company; there is no one size fits all plan. Therefore,
prior to implementing a plan, companies must do an internal evaluation to determine the
strategies that will work best for them.

3.
Continuous
Improvement

4.
Communication

1. 2.
Commitment Training

Figure 2.2 Energy Management Guide

 11

A strategic approach to energy management can result in significant energy savings and
improved productivity for all types of chemical producers. A general guide for an energy
management model is depicted in Figure 2.2. The model requires the coordination of four main
issues:

1. Commitment from leadership.

2. Continuous training of personnel at all levels.
3. Continuous improvement through strategic goals and action plans.
4. Communication of all involved in the energy management concept.

This model draws on ideas from several existing programs, including the Energy Star program
developed jointly by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

2.3.1 Make the Commitment

1c.
Establish
Standards

1d.
Walk the Talk

1a. 1b.
Talk the Talk Assess
Performance

1. Commitment
Figure 2.3 Making the Commitment Guide

Dr. W. Edwards Deming, an Iowa native whom many consider to be the founder of the Total
Quality (TQ or TQM) movement, refused to work with an organization unless its top leaders
were involved in the improvement process. Commitment starts at the top, he believed. So it is
with energy managementan effective EM program starts with the support and participation of
company leaders. So, what constitutes real participation?

Talk the Talk (1a Figure 2.3)

Company leaders must be strong advocates for an EM program. In addition to supporting a
corporate energy policy, they should make EM part of the corporate strategic plan, tying it to
financial and environmental goals.
 12

Assess Performance (1b Figure 2.3)

Once energy management is truly on the corporate radar screen, an initial assessment of energy
performance is necessary. It should include an understanding of the energy cost structure as well
as an understanding of current energy use and trends. A more detailed discussion of these
concepts follows.

Understanding the Energy Cost Structure

Utility companies generally determine the energy cost structure. Most utilities have multiple rate
plans, which can complicate attempts to understand them. Customer service representatives
work with businesses to ensure that the most favorable plan has been assigned. An onsite visit
from the energy provider is one way to facilitate a discussion on energy needs and cost
structures.

Understanding Current Energy Usage and Trends

Understanding current energy usage and trends goes hand-in-hand with understanding energy
cost structures. Usage dictates the choice of rate plan, and the rate plan greatly influences cost-
savings strategies. As much as feasible, energy usage should be tracked by both end use and fuel
type.

End Use
An important step in energy management is determining the exact sources of energy
consumption. The Centre for the Analysis and Dissemination of Demonstrated Energy
Technologies (CADDET) recommends establishing Energy Accountable Centers (EAC)9 to
facilitate this step of the process. These are production areas that are neither too small nor too
large, in which energy consumption can be independently measured and reported. (It may be
necessary to install meters for this purpose.) For example, it may be revealing to monitor the
energy consumption of a separate building, a central boiler house, or a specific production line.

Many of the details of the end-use patterns can be defined by a technical assessment or energy
audit. There are many sources for these audits. Larger companies may want to participate in the
DOEs Plant Wide Assessment (PWA) program. Plant-wide energy assessments investigate
overall energy use in industrial facilities, and highlight opportunities for best practices in energy
management, including the adoption of new, energy-efficient technologies and process and
equipment improvements.10 These projects, which require matching funds from the company,
bring world-class experts into the facility. A very successful plant-wide assessment was done in
Iowa at North Star Steel; details are available on the DOE website listed in the footnote below.11
PWAs are competitive grants and most medium- and smaller-sized companies will not be able to
participate in this large-scale project.

Another valuable resource for energy assessments is the DOE-funded Industrial Assessment
Center (IAC). The IAC provides free energy audits to small- and medium-sized facilities. The
9
Energy Management in Industry, Analyses Series 17, Centre for the Analysis and Dissemination of Demonstrated Energy Technologies,
CADDET 1995.
10
DOE: Plant Wide Assessment, http://www.oit.doe.gov/bestpractices/plant_wide_assessments.shtml
11
North Star Steel Company: Iowa Mini-Mill Conducts Plant-Wide Energy Assessment Using a Total Assessment Audit,
http://www.oit.doe.gov/bestpractices/factsheets/steel_cs_northstar.pdf
 13

center that serves Iowa (and some of the area in surrounding states) is located on the Iowa State
University campus. For more information about the program and complete eligibility
requirements (less than 500 employees, $100K to $2.5M in energy costs, etc.) check out the
website listed in the footnote below.12

A third resource for identifying potential energy efficiency assistance is CIRAS or the Iowa
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (IMEP). CIRAS/IMEP can conduct onsite assessments
and connect manufacturers with the appropriate programs or resources to help them with their
energy needs.

Fuel Type
Businesses that use multiple sources of fuel (e.g., electricity, natural gas, oil, and/or steam) are
encouraged to keep records of the amount of each fuel type consumed. It can be useful to
measure the distribution of major energy forms such as steam in order to know the total amount
of steam used by any one piece of equipment.

Establish Standards (1c Figure 2.3)

A system of energy accounting is needed to collect and track useful data. This involves defining
the data to be collected and the measures to be generated. Each company should develop a
customized prime measure to calculate whether the energy purchased is being productively
utilized.

Energy Productivity Index

The energy productivity index is a ratio of energy consumed, usually stated in British Thermal
Units (Btu), to a chosen base unit. This performance measure is very important, so the base unit
must be carefully chosen. Possible base units include:

per square foot of space

per piece manufactured or shipped
per pound, gallon, or some other measure of output
per dollar of sales
per dollar of value added

Each of these possible base units has advantages and limitations. For example, using square
footage makes more sense when HVAC is the primary energy consumer but less sense when
process energy consumption is significant. The shortcoming to using dollars of sales is that, over
time, the figure is distorted by inflation. Using pounds, gallons, or some other appropriate
measure of output/volume that has a logical relationship to energy consumed is often a good
approach. It may be advisable to use a monetary unit thats directly related to business
performance, like dollars of value added. Using both of these measures will give company
leaders two important views: how energy management reduces energy cost when measured by
cost per unit volume of output, and how energy costs compare to the prices that customers are
willing to pay for value-added products.

12
Industrial Assessment Center, http://www.me.iastate.edu/iac/
 14

Energy cost index

One additional useful index is the energy cost index. It compares the cost of energy to some
base unit (as opposed to the number of Btus consumed). The base unit should be the same unit
used for the energy utilization index.

Productivity Standards
Most chemical processors have standards for judging the performance of their production system
over time. Similarly, it is recommended that standards be established for energy usage so that
the performance of the EM system can be judged over time. Two basic approaches to
establishing standards are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Engineering data can be used to calculate energy and mass balances, and the amount of energy
theoretically required when equipment in the plant is performing optimally. However, while this
calculation is useful, the result is often not considered realistic or achievable in the real
world. For this reason, some will reject using this as a standard.

A second method is to compile data on past energy consumption. This data should be segmented
by EACs whenever possible. An average consumption over some period of time can be
calculated and used as a standard. To be realistic, it may be necessary to consider factors such
as time of year; the standard amount of required energy can vary greatly depending on outside
temperature and humidity.

While average past energy consumption might accurately predict probable future energy
consumption, it does not give any indication of how efficiently energy is being used in each
EAC. For this purpose, a combination of the two methods may be useful. The calculations
based on the engineering data that show theoretical optimal efficiency can be compared with the
average (or seasonal average). This will give an idea of the money on the table, or theoretical
potential savings from improving efficiency.

Companies may choose to set the standard at the statistical average or at a different point based
on the theoretical optimum. In either case, performance can be monitored against the standard
and variation can be managed appropriately according to each companys chosen management
approach.

Another possible source for setting a standard is benchmarking. This technique has strong
supporters and opponents. To be effective, benchmarking requires enough demographic and
quality information about another company to determine whether or not a comparison is
appropriate. In other words, the comparison should be apples to apples, not apples to oranges.

It may be safer to benchmark against best practices. For example, DOE has developed
computer-based tools that allow one company that uses steam to compare itself to another
company that also uses steam. These tools are available at no cost at the website in the footnote
below.13

13
DOE Industrial Technologies Program, http://www.oit.doe.gov/bestpractices/software_tools.shtml
 15

One of the basic tenets of Lean Manufacturing, a method for reducing waste, is perfection.
Rather than being satisfied with meeting some benchmark, companies are urged to relentlessly
pursue perfection or zero waste. Zero waste in energy consumption may be hard to define,
unless the calculated theoretical energy balance point mentioned earlier is used. Opponents
argue that perfection is not a realistic goal because it is impossible to achieve. On the other
hand, advocates stress that it is the pursuit of perfection that forces managers to look for the
breakthrough ideas that bring into reach that which was previously thought to be impossible.

Assigning Causes for Variation

Once energy accounting is established and standards are set, management should begin to
compare actual performance to the standards. However, these comparisons alone do not give a
complete picture of what is happening. In order to understand whether a variation is a normal
statistical fluctuation or something more significant, there must be a thorough understanding of
the complete set of measures.

For example, tracking the energy cost index helps management isolate one possible source of
variation in the energy productivity index. If energy productivity has deteriorated in the most
recent analysis period, someor allof the drop may be attributable to an increase in energy
costs.

Additional information may be gained by tracking the trend of energy cost per Btu. This will
help determine whether an increase in the energy cost index is attributable primarily to an
increase in the base cost of energy/Btu or an increase in Btus per chosen unit of output.

Following are other common, identifiable sources of variation in energy costs. The time period
for all such assignable factors should be noted on the data records.

seasonal weather changes

increases in total output
product mix variations
physical changes to the system such as the installation of pollution control devices
use of an alternative fuel
pilot programs
specific conservation efforts

Walk the Talk (1d Figure 2.3)

The central component in Figure 2.3 is Walk the Talk. Company leaders must commit
resources including time, talent, and money on an ongoing basis. Attention at the outset
followed in a few months by a total disregard for EM will doom energy management efforts to
mediocrity at best, and failure at worst.

Indications that senior leadership has an ongoing commitment to energy management include the
following:

A corporate champion is named, and, in larger companies, a team is identified.

Accountability is clearly established.
EM is an agenda item at all regular leadership meetings.
 16

The energy policy is evaluated regularly and updated as needed.

Adequate budget is provided annually for effective EM.

2c.
Deliver
Training

2d.
Evaluate

2a. 2b.
Identify Needs Design Content

2. Train at All Levels

Figure 2.4 Continuous Training of Personnel Guide

After company leaders have made the commitment to an EM program and after current energy
performance has been assessed and standards set, it is time to provide training for all company
personnel. Sharing information and increasing the knowledge level of employees is a
prerequisite to the successful implementation of an EM plan. The opportunity to express
personal opinions, ask questions, and get answers generally increases the level of engagement for
individuals. Employees are more likely to be motivated to save energy if they feel engaged in
the process. Steps for engaging workers follow.

Identify Training Needs (2a Figure 2.4)

Initially, every employee will need training on topics such as awareness of the corporate energy
policy, current energy usage and trends, basic EM terminology, and energy measures. More
specific topics such as boiler management or assessing return on investment in energy projects
will be delegated to smaller groups. Be sure to take the time to identify the general and specific
needs of the entire staff.

Design Content (2b Figure 2.4)

To create training content, begin by identifying the specific learning objectives for the targeted
individuals. The delivery methods and materials should be chosen to maximize the likelihood of
reaching the learning objectives. Training that is specific to a company program will probably
have to be developed in-house. Training on more universal topics such as boiler management is
commercially available from professional sources.

Deliver Training (2c Figure 2.4)

Planning and good intentions dont move an EM program forward. A training calendar should
be established and all staff should be scheduled for training based on their needs and duties.
 17

Follow-through is critical in establishing in the minds of employees that energy management is

truly important to the organization. Training is best delivered during the staffs paid time in a
facility that is conducive to learning and that is free of work interruptions.

Evaluate (2d Figure 2.4)

It is important to determine the effectiveness of the training. Evaluate each learning objective in
each session. In addition, it is usually beneficial to ask participants about the following:

effectiveness of the instructor(s)

effectiveness of the delivery methods (videos, etc.)
value of any handout materials
quality of the training facility

Of course, feedback is good, but it is worthless unless its used! Use the feedback to make
changes to subsequent training sessions. Re-evaluate and compare scores to determine the
impact of the changes.

2.3.3 Continuous Improvement Cycle

3c.
Implement

3d.
Evaluate &
Institutionalize
3a. Improvements
Choose 3b.
Strategically Create
and Set Goal Action Plan

3. Continuous Improvement
Figure 2.5 Continuous Improvement Cycle Guide

Figures 2.3 and 2.4 illustrated the steps required to implement an Energy Management initiative.
Depicted in Figure 2.5 are the steps of a continuous improvement cycle. These steps should be
followed for each project in an EM initiative. As soon as one project is completed, the next
opportunity is identified and strategies to meet it are undertaken.

Choose Energy Projects Strategically (3a Figure 2.5)

The corporate strategic plan should include a section on energy management that, among other
things, establishes a relationship between EM projects and non-energy issues in the strategic
plan. This is not as difficult as it sounds. Energy costs are an unavoidable part of doing business
and any money spent on energy cannot be spent on other activities such as marketing, training,
 18

personnel, etc. Reducing energy costs frees up resources for the non-energy related components
of the corporate strategic plan.

Specific energy management projects must be strategically chosen. This requires comparing two
important factors: 1) the potential impact of a successful project to company finances, and, 2) the
investment required for implementation.

A good strategy is to start with low investment projects that have moderate or high potential for
savings. A significant portion of the savings generated by these projects should then be budgeted
to finance the investment for more costly ventures. When identifying projects with the potential
to save energy, be sure to solicit input from all employees. They frequently have ideas that are
easy to implement and provide excellent results.

Assessing Financial Impact

Although challenging, this is an important component because it is the key to strategic choice.
The merits of a project may seem clear to those who work in a particular area, however, it may
be difficult to get buy-in from the boss or the financial officer. These challenges can be
minimized if the case is presented in financial terms. Three common types of financial analyses
are:

payback period
rate of return
total lifecycle cost

The payback-period analysis is commonly used, in part, because it is simple. To make the
calculation, divide the cost of doing the project by the annual savings or return from a successful
project. For example, if it would cost $25,000 to implement changes and the annual savings are
projected to be $15,000, then the payback period would be 1.67 years (25,000/15,000). Most
companies set a maximum that is acceptable for a payback period and reject projects that do not
meet the test.

The rate of return method involves other factors and more complex concepts such as net present
value, interest rates, and depreciation. A detailed explanation of these factors is beyond the
scope of this publication. There are resources available to explain these terms and even help to
make the calculations. For example, DOE offers several software packages that will take
information and calculate projected savings. These tools are available at the website in the
footnote below.14

Although the total lifecycle costing method is a more complex way of evaluating projects, it is
gaining support as a more accurate method of determining long-term impact. Depending on the
complexity of the model, total lifecycle will consider owning and operating costs as well as such
factors as environmental impact and costs, disposal/recycling costs, etc. For projects that may
not meet the required investment threshold using other methods, this long-term look at costs may
show that energy management practices are indeed a wise investment.

14
DOE Industrial Technologies Program, http://www.oit.doe.gov/bestpractices/software_tools.shtml
 19

No matter what method of financial analysis is used, it is critical to carefully account for not
only the savings that come directly from a project, but also any measurable returns that are
caused by the project or made possible because of it. These increases in revenues, for example,
represent funds that were not available before, which further increases the value of the venture.

Set the Goal (3a Figure 2.5)

Goal-setting can be controversial subject. Dr. Deming argued vehemently against what he called
arbitrary numerical targets. However, others feel that setting an arbitrary goal can force an
organization to commit to action and the setting of non-arbitrary goals. Many times the setting
of an arbitrary goal generates dialogue that addresses the root problems that can affect the
success of an energy management program. They can act as a catalyst for management to invest
in performing assessments and initiating improvements.

Benchmarking can help avoid arbitrariness. By using benchmarking to compare your operation
and its energy usage to other similar plants or industries, you can see how your organization
stacks up to the competition or related industries. This information can then be used to set goals
that are based on data, providing a goal that is both realistic and achievable.

Also needed is a systematic approach to continuous improvement. To give people a goal that
requires improving the underlying system but not giving them the means to change/improve the
system would be viewed by Dr. Deming as both arbitrary and de-motivating. The means to
improving the system requires the authority that comes from managements commitment to
support the goals and the continuous improvement process.

Create an Action Plan (3b Figure 2.5)

The steps needed to achieve improvement should be carefully planned and, at a minimum,
should include the following:

clear statement of desired outcomes and measures of success

list of resources that are and are not available
sequential list of steps involved
list of key milestones or intermediate indicators of success
expected completion date
clear explanation of reporting requirements (frequency and scope)
rewards for successfully achieving goals (if applicable)

Using a systems approach to balance the supply side against the demand side is a good way to
create an action plan because it compares the inputs of an energy system to the outputs.

Be sure to consider the potential negative impacts on product flow and peak energy demand. It
is usually advisable to pilot proposed changes, before full implementation, if possible. For
example, if an action plan suggests adjusting four air compressors for a desired affect, change
one unit and measure the impact before continuing with the other three.

Implement the Plan (3c Figure 2.5)

 20

Follow-through is the key to success. Execute the plan step-by-step. Monitor progress regularly
and implement subsequent steps accordingly. Or, if the evaluation indicates a problem, make
adjustments to the action plan.

Evaluate and Institutionalize Improvements (3d Figure 2.5)

Evaluate the success of implementation against the goal established at the outset. If a pilot
project is successfully implemented, changes should be phased in across the larger system.
Challenges unique to the larger system can be evaluated during this transitional phase from the
pilot project to the larger system. Data collected during the pilot project should make the
computation of financial return easier and justify the additional investment in expanding the
changes across the larger system.

Continue the Cycle

As soon as a project is completed, begin the process anew by selecting the next project and
setting goals for it. You should be prepared to repeat this cycle continuously, always striving to
reduce energy consumption and increase productivity while contemplating cost and other
impacts, until the return does not justify repeating the cycle again.

2.3.4 Communication

4c.
Recognize
Achievements

4d.
Report Energy
4a. Performance
4b.
Priority on Ongoing
Leadership's Training
Agenda

4. Communication
Figure 2.6 Communication Guide

The centerpiece of any successful EM model is ongoing communication. Knowledge must be

shared in formats that are easily understood, readily accessible and appropriate for the audience.
For example, senior management will probably require a format and content that differs from
what is needed by engineers in the steam room. In addition, company leaders must regularly
address the topic of EM and communicate the importance throughout the workforce. If energy
management is not a regular topic of discussion throughout the company, it will soon be viewed
as a meaningless gesture without any real priority. Ongoing training must be provided
throughout all levels of the organization where information on energy performance should be
shared with trainers to help them identify the needs of employees. Milestones must be
 21

recognized and celebrated. Employees need to see that their efforts are appreciated and that they
make a difference.