Importance of Finding and Defining Energy Conservation Measures

Abstract

It seems part of human nature to want quick fixes. (“What pill can
I take to get slim?“) With energy, this is often, “What can I add (magic
black box) or change (retrofit) that will make my energy bill slim?” Very
often these additions or changes deal with efficiency issues. As a result,
we too often neglect asking what should be the first question: “What
can be done with simple conservation steps to save energy?”
We may think we have asked and answered this question, but
this thinking should be challenged! For example, ever noticed just how
many outside lights are on during the day—every day—including at
factories that publicly tout their energy reductions? After years of en-
ergy auditing, I am convinced that not enough attention is given to
conservation, and that when attention is given, it is more often consid-
ered a distant second. This is at least partially because conservation is
not in any way “sexy,” especially as compared to installing renewable
energy systems like geothermal or solar.
This article will quickly define the difference between conservation
and efficiency changes, and then show within an industrial setting the
many conservation steps that should first be considered. While a great
many of us know and practice the concepts discussed in this article, at
least a certain number may not do so to the degree necessary to maxi-
mize conservation.