Models for Driving Energy Efficiency Nationally Using Energy Management

Abstract

Energy management is a proven strategy for achieving clear energy, environmental, and economic benefits across industry—yet diverse barriers, risks, and challenges continue to limit broad adoption around the globe. An energy management system (EMS) integrates energy management into existing business systems, enabling organizations to better manage their energy, sustain achieved savings, and continuously improve energy performance. Governments are implementing various approaches to accelerate industry uptake of these systems, such as promoting compliance with the ISO 50001 energy management standard. This article explores three approaches in use: mandated programs (Japan), incentive programs (Sweden), and market-based certification programs (United States).The authors examine each of these three approaches by taking an in-depth look at one real-world example. For each example, the article identifies the specific program requirements, the larger context for the policy and role of government, existing drivers for corporate participation, key challenges and resources, and the available results (i.e., energy and cost savings and other benefits). Comparisons among these current, government-led models for accelerating the uptake of EMS should provide insight into the effectiveness and benefits of different government approaches and their supporting policies and resources. Governments can learn from the challenges faced, solutions devised, and lessons learned by others during implementation of these programs.