What is Energy Waste and Why does it Occur
Compiled by Karl Olsen
What is Energy Waste?
Energy waste within buildings is the proportion of (electricity, water or gas) consumption that performs no useful function. Unfortunately energy waste takes place naturally if not managed and can be grouped into 3 main categories;
- Long term energy waste – long sustained events, usually a permanent problem.
- Regular energy waste – daily predicable events.
- Intermittent energy waste – Infrequent usually irregular events.
Simple examples of energy waste are;
- Lighting, air-conditioning or appliances left operating needlessly (ie overnight or on weekends),
- Poorly insulated cool-rooms, freezers, walls, roofs & ceilings,
- Inefficient electrical equipment installed – incandescent lights, old fridges, old A/C units, leaking hot water units etc,
- Air compressors operating excessively to maintain air leaks in pipework,
- A/C systems – incorrect room temperatures set,
- Failed insulating material around hot water pipework or around A/C ductwork,
- Faulty hot water unit thermostat resulting in continuously heated water.
Why Does Energy Waste Occur?
The following main reasons are usually the cause;
- Equipment efficiency drops over time – poor maintenance & aged components.
- Initial design is inefficient – equipment installation was incorrectly installed & commissioned right from the beginning.
- Changes made – Perhaps a modification has been performed or system settings have been changed resulting in a less efficient system.
- Equipment failure – has occurred that wastes energy.
- Uninformed upgrade decisions – opportunities to install new (more efficient) equipment are missed when existing equipment is due for replacement. Knowledge in energy efficiency is lacking.
- Impact due to Renovations – new building works have occurred with lack of regard to original design of installed building services equipment.
- Standby Energy Consumption – some equipment when idle still consumes electricity. The amount of standby energy waste should be measured.
The presence of energy waste is difficult to identify because of the invisible nature of electricity. One clue that energy waste is occurring, is the unfortunate receipt of a high electricity bill.
GreenWire Consulting is located in Melbourne, Victoria. We can pinpoint the exact source of energy waste at your business premises – well in advance of your next electricity bill. To take back control of your energy consumption – Contact us or send an email to explain your particular situation.