Need a go-to resource for understanding the key terms and concepts that drive the world of energy management and sustainability? We’ve got you covered with our new, part two of our energy efficiency glossary
Whether you're a business owner, facility manager, or simply an eco-conscious individual, this comprehensive guide empowers you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and take actionable steps towards a greener future. Check out part 1 for even more terminology.
“Making sure you know your terms in energy efficiency can help you make more informed decisions when you’re looking at efficient equipment upgrades,” said Vishal Patwari, Senior Energy Engineer. “If you replace your HVAC with Ultra High Performing systems, for example, you can save up to 70% on their energy usage and significantly slash energy consumption. Plus tools like refrigeration sensors, smart thermostats, kitchen hoods, and more can help you monitor and reduce energy consumption thoughtout your locations.
Discover core industry terminology with this energy efficiency glossary, and make better informed decisions when it comes to energy maintenance.
Energy conservation is similar to efficiency, covering the practice of using less energy to accomplish the same tasks or achieve the same level of comfort. Conservation pertains to reducing energy consumption through various practices, with a focus on preserving energy resources by using them wisely and efficiently.
The big difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation? Unlike energy efficiency, which aims to achieve the same level of output with less energy, energy conservation emphasizes reducing overall energy usage.
A carbon footprint includes the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, produced directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or activity.
A direct contribution to your carbon footprint could include driving a car or using certain refrigerants. Indirect contributions include consuming energy from the grid or using certain products whose production contributes emissions. Reducing carbon footprint is a key goal of energy efficiency efforts.
This covers the invoice received by consumers for the energy services they have used over a specified period of time. Energy bills provide details about energy consumption, rates, and associated charges. However, they are often incredibly complex and difficult to decipher. Check out our blog that sheds light on why here.
Energy waste is that which is consumed inefficiently due to factors such as equipment imperfections, poor insulation, or behavioral practices. Energy waste represents a lost opportunity for cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Maintenance involves regular upkeep and servicing of equipment to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. Proper maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, prolongs equipment lifespan, and avoids energy waste.
Equipment upgrades refers to the practice of replacing outdated or inefficient equipment with newer, more energy-efficient models. This helps improve overall energy performance and reduces energy consumption.
Energy efficiency is not one-size-fits-all, especially for businesses. Many business owners are partnering with energy-as-a-service companies to reduce their carbon footprint, and energy management solutions can be tailored to meet specific preferences of individual customers.
This flexibility ensures that the solutions provided align with unique energy consumption patterns, locations and business types, as well as goals.
LCAs are a type of comprehensive analysis that evaluates the environmental impact of a product or system throughout its entire life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, use, and disposal.
Load management pertains to the optimization of energy usage to ensure that electricity demand matches the available supply, minimizing peak demand and enhancing grid stability.
Phantom loads are known as the energy consumed by electronic devices even when they are in standby mode or turned off. Also known as standby power or vampire power, it can be reduced by using power strips or unplugging devices when not in use.
This is a measure of how effectively electrical power is utilized in a system. A low power factor indicates inefficient use of electricity and can lead to additional charges on utility bills.
These results offer quantifiable outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures. These results are typically reflected in reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint, lower utility bills, and environmental impact.
Advanced monitoring refers to using sophisticated technologies and software to continuously monitor energy systems and equipment. This allows for proactive identification of inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Energy-efficient appliances are designed to minimize energy consumption while delivering the same functionality as standard appliances.
They often carry an Energy Star label, indicating that they meet or exceed stringent energy efficiency standards set by regulatory bodies. Energy-efficient appliances include refrigerators and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units, helping consumers save on energy costs and reduce environmental impact.
These sensors are specialized devices used in commercial refrigeration systems to monitor and control various aspects of the refrigeration process. These sensors play a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance, energy efficiency, and food safety within refrigeration units.
Smart thermostats are programmable devices that provide precise control over heating and cooling systems. They offer features such as remote access, learning algorithms, and occupancy detection, allowing users to optimize temperature settings based on occupancy patterns and preferences.
By intelligently managing HVAC systems, smart thermostats help conserve energy, enhance comfort, and reduce utility bills.
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