We talk a lot about energy efficiency and the importance of reducing energy consumption to achieve it. However, even for understanding the basics about the concept, a professional needs to know all related aspects.
Its definition is linked to the idea of doing more with less. I.e: reduce the amount of energy used and ensure the same productivity with less environmental and financial resources. In a company, this means keeping equipment controlled and optimized so that production follows its flow with better performance.
However, some questions remain: after all, what are the main advantages of investing in energy efficiency? How is the application and evaluation done? Continue reading this article and discover all the answers on the topic!
Main objective of energy efficiency
Straightforward, the goal of energy efficiency is to generate savings from cost reduction while contributing to the preservation of the environment. For this, managers need to understand the need to invest in more energy efficient processes and products.
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has produced a ranking in 2022 to evaluate the countries with the highest energy consumption. Brazil occupies the 19th position and has only 9 points in the industry category, because:
- Final energy consumption accounts for more than 32% of expenditures;
- This sector represents 40% of the electricity consumed in the country;
- The annual cost of electricity is around R$75 billion.
These data show that Brazilian companies and industries need modernization and a smart step towards energy efficiency is the exchange of old machinery for new ones.
In that case, the first step is to understand where to start. The company needs to rely on reliable data to make assertive decisions, that is, to understand which technologies are not efficient. Only by controlling the energy consumption of these technologies will it be possible to identify bottlenecks and develop strategies to eliminate them.
What are the benefits of energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency is directly linked to sustainability issues and impacts on three points: environmental, social and economic. In this way, the benefits offered by it are also distributed among the pillars, check out:
- Greater competitiveness;
- Less need for investment in infrastructure;
- Less use of fossil fuels;
- Less need for new hydroelectric plants;
- Greater energy security;
- Improved air quality.
In the following, we will talk a little about each of these advantages:
Greater competitiveness
Conscious organizations on the role of sustainability for the success of the operation become respected. In addition, they assume a prominent profile in the competitive scenario, as more investors will want to apply their investments in it.
The opposite also happens with those who do not have any socio-environmental responsibility. The institutional image is negative both internally and externally, as a result, they do not receive much investment and have many economic losses.
In financial matters, the company focused on sustainable activities also guarantees a better price to its customers. By reducing the value of your monthly electricity bill, you can offer quality and savings in products and services.
Less need for long-term investment in infrastructure
Increasing energy efficiency also means that you will need to make an initial investment which can be high. However, if we think in the long term, the amount spent is paid for in the savings achieved after the reduction in consumption.
Changing the infrastructure of the building will provide more airy and illuminated spaces. In this way, natural resources will be better used, such as:
- Larger windows so that spaces are more airy;
- Integrated environments to centralize lighting and ventilation;
- Transparent roofs that protect from the sun's rays, but retain sunlight.
Less need for fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are considered non-renewable energy sources that are harmful to the environment for several reasons. In addition to all the atmospheric pollution, there is the unregulated exploitation of natural resources that makes it scarce and expensive.
One of the impact examples involves the emission of gasses through the burning of fuels. They contribute to the increase in the greenhouse effect and also trigger serious health problems.
Improving energy efficiency reduces the need to use fossil fuels to generate energy. Thus, the impacts begin to decrease in nature, even if minimally.
Less need for new hydroelectric plants
Hydroelectric plants are still considered the largest sources of energy in Brazil, followed by wind. However, that mark has been decreasing as more people are betting on solar energy.
Although the three are considered renewable sources, hydroelectric plants have a very high impact on the environment. Proof of this are the incidents at dams such as Brumadinho and Mariana, which devastated regions and caused many deaths.
In addition, whenever a new hydroelectric plant needs to be built, it is necessary to flood the entire region, displacing the inhabitants. Therefore, applying efforts to improve energy consumption also reduces the need to use new hydroelectric plants.
Greater energy security
Companies that develop assertive strategies to ensure energy efficiency reduce the risk of power outages. This fact is due to the actions applied with the purpose of making the most of resources without waste.
Brazil occupies the 26th place in the world ranking of energy security and equity, according to the World Energy Council, for the following points:
- Varied energy system (hydroelectric, solar, wind, etc.);
- A decarbonized network due to the main source, which is hydroelectric;
- Frequent periods of drought are worrying.
Improvement in air quality
Without a doubt, the reduction of environmental impacts is one of the greatest benefits of improving energy efficiency. That's because the biggest source of energy still comes from burning coal and fossil fuels.
With the awareness and implementation of sustainable resources, industries start to contribute to the reduction of the emission of pollutants in the air. They make a commitment to controlling global warming and sustainability.
Remembering that air pollution causes numerous respiratory problems and many can even kill. According to WHO, in an article published in National Geographic Brazil, nine out of ten people breathe polluted air. Regarding deaths, the number can reach 7 million per year.
How to apply energy efficiency?
There are several ways to achieve energy efficiency in a company or industry and among them we can mention:
- Replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent or LED light bulbs to reduce the heat emitted and the energy effort;
- Give preference to daylight, if necessary suggest modifications to the structure such as larger windows and transparent tiles;
- Keep equipment up to date with maintenance, if there are obsolete systems, updates or replacement of this machinery must be made;
- Ensuring that the machinery has the Procel Seal for an energy-saving product;
- Use consumption monitoring systems to issue reports and find sources of waste;
- Adopt an energy management system and get the energy efficiency certification with ISO 50001.
When professionals understand how energy efficiency works and what steps to take to achieve it, the company is closer to being sustainable.
How to evaluate energy efficiency?
The best way to evaluate the energy efficiency of a company or industry is using monitoring and control systems. Only in this way will you be able to measure how much is being consumed and create effective strategies to improve performance.
At this point, Squair stands out as a creator of smart solutions for energy consumption. Whether on a daily basis or during events, the technology developed by the company guarantees a reduction of up to 25% in expenses.
Read too: Do you know how to calculate power consumption for events?
In addition to understanding how energy is being spent, the system also generates diagnostics and savings plans. See three reasons to choose Squair as an ally of the company:
- 360º vision: the professional has full access and visibility of all monitored equipment and environments;
- Easy to use: the platform centralizes all information and the sensors do not require structural adaptations to be inserted;
- Reliable: Squair uses state-of-the-art security protocols and guarantees accuracy and real-time data 24/7.
Access our site and discover who Squair is and what it can do with operational intelligence and environmental responsibility.