The new standard for energy management auditing creates a much needed action plan to guide corporate management in how to develop plans that lead to policy creation to support reduced energy usage and signal a commitment to sustainable business practices.  When understood, this new international standard can be adopted by economic development groups to create business recruiting incentives.   When economic development organizations and governmental agencies support energy reduction strategies they can be triggers for businesses in the new green industry to make game changing decisions as to where to locate.  In the near future, there will be preference given to those companies and stakeholders who understand the far-reaching effects of committing to a sustainable future.  The various divisions of the US Government has adapted preference guidelines for suppliers who practice sustainability, recycling, energy reduction, water use reduction and carbon footprint reduction to name a few.  This new standard is far-reaching and examines the supply chain of organizations to determine if that cheap product is really created through environmentally friendly practices or if it is made through unfair competition created by unethical and/or non-sustainable environmental practices.   Adopting energy policy can mean the difference in the ability of organizations to balance their budgets, school systems to avoid budget and program cuts, added cash flow and making intelligent decisions where capital improvements and energy efficiency merge.   Having the knowledge and commitment from management ahead of the need to make a hasty purchase can result in lasting changes and increased viability of businesses and organizations.

In Dothan, AL, a small Southeastern Alabama city, The Houston County School district’s energy manager, proudly displays a plaque where the school district saved over a million dollars in 3 years due to their energy management practices.  This school district,  under the leadership of a wise maintenance supervisor, turned energy management specialist began educating their staff and faculty over 10 years ago.  They adopted board policy and made it mandatory for teachers, students and faculty to adhere to energy conserving behaviors.  As a result as many schools faced cuts in their programs, the Houston County School system was proud to be only one of 5 districts in Alabama not facing pro-ration ( cutting instructors and programs).  This was attributed to their energy management practices becoming board policy years before its time.

Call us for your energy reduction and energy management questions.   Smart North America, Inc.  800-764-3085 or visit us at www.smartgridnorthamerica.com.