Environment

Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable Releases Energy Management Guidance for a Better Bottom Line and a Better Environment

Sep 14, 2015 5:30 PM ET
Campaign: Energy & Climate
Energy Management Guidance for a Better Bottom Line and a Better Environment

September 14, 2015 /3BL Media/ - The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) recognizes that energy management equals cost savings and has therefore released an Energy Management Guidance section to their website.  This Guidance was developed 'by Energy Managers for Energy Managers’ and further reinforces the Beverage Sector’s leadership on sustainability and commitment to sharing practical knowledge and expertise in support of all sectors. 

“The Energy Management Guidance was a collaborative effort by BIER members to define best practice for energy management. It provides guidance and practical examples for how to: set boundaries and baselines; establish metering and tracking requirements; define KPI’s and benchmarks; and plan for energy savings,” says Jamie Mackinnon, Molson Coors representative and BIER Energy group lead. “I believe the Guidance has a broad application for manufacturing and is an excellent reference for companies that are getting started with or improving upon existing energy management systems within their operations.”

A greater importance and focus has been placed on energy management recently due to the need to drive the use of cleaner fuels, achieve greater energy efficiency and resiliency.  BIER members recognize these realities, as well as the business value and costs savings that can be achieved through effective energy management.  Understanding that the key to success is to maintain a consistent and systems-based approach to energy management, BIER members organized their insights and experience on six select topics. 

  • Boundary – determining what operations will be included in tracking energy production and consumption
  • Baseline – creating a benchmark performance and measuring improvement
  • Metering – continuous collecting, measuring, and monitoring of energy data
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) – measuring what is important
  • Benchmarking – comparing the facility’s results with other plants or best-in-class performers
  • Goals & Targeting – pursuing deliberate reductions, increasing employee engagement, quantifying financial savings and tracking progress

BIER members have demonstrated performance with energy management, as highlighted in the 2014 BIER Benchmarking Study showing 58% of facilities reporting five years of data decreased their Energy Use Ratio (MJ/Liter Produced) from 2009 to 2013. This Guidance aims to accelerate this progress by promoting more consistent and systematic management of energy across all global operations.  By sharing this guidance publicly, BIER members are offering their collective expertise and practical experience in hopes of supporting other sectors and facility managers aspiring to manage energy more effectively. 

On the heels of last week’s publication of the True Cost of Water Toolkit, BIER is actively demonstrating fundamental elements of the May 2015 Joint Commitment on Climate Change.  Use the following link to view BIER’s Energy Management Guidance: http://bit.ly/EnergyMgmt