This article should help orient a factory to how to select the proper energy sources and prepare for reporting
help orient a factory to how to select the proper energy sources and prepare for reporting
The following question on your facility’s energy use will be asked for each applicable energy source:
- Does your facility use this energy source (for domestic/production use, or in this facility type)?
- Does your facility track its energy use from this source?
- What is the quantity of energy used by this source during this reporting period?
- Unit of Measure
- Which method was used to track this energy source?
- What was the frequency of measurement?
- Provide any additional comments.
Suggested Uploads
- Documentation that demonstrates the facility has identified and is tracking energy consumption for all applicable energy sources. (e.g., an inventory and/or tracking records for energy sources, samples of energy purchase invoices or metering records etc.)
Note: Uploading of all utility bills is not required, however they should be available for review at the time of verification.
What is the intent of the question?
The intent of this question is for facilities to demonstrate that they have identified and track energy use from all energy sources.
Technical Guidance:
Measurement of energy use from all sources is the foundation of energy management and the overall sustainability program for a company. Measurement of all energy sources allows you to identify areas of significant energy use, detect any abnormal consumption, establish energy reduction targets, and calculate GHG emissions.
When establishing your energy tracking and reporting program, start by doing the following:
- Map out business and operational processes to identify sources of energy use.
- Note: Energy consumed by facilities or tenants on-site that are NOT owned or controlled by your facility should be excluded from your energy reporting.
- Establish procedures to collect and track energy use data:
- Use utility bills to determine the quantity of purchased electricity, steam, and other sources where applicable.
- Track other fuels used for onsite energy generation such as diesel in generators and coal in boilers owned or controlled by the facility.
- Install sub-meters to track the amount of renewable energy generated if renewable energy is generated in-house.
- If estimation techniques are used to determine energy use, the calculation methodology should be clearly defined and be supported by verifiable data.
- Record tracking data (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly consumption records) in a format that is easy to review [e.g., spreadsheet (e.g., Microsoft Excel) or similar data analytics program that allows export of data in a human readable format (e.g., Excel, csv)] and maintain relevant supporting evidence for review during verification.
How This Will Be Verified:
When verifying a facility’s energy data, Verifiers must review all aspects of the facility’s energy tracking program that could produce inaccuracies including:
- The initial data collection processes and data sources (e.g., invoices, on-site meters, metering logs, etc.); and
- The process and tools used to aggregate the data (e.g., spreadsheet calculations, unit conversions, etc.)
If any inconsistencies or errors are noted, the reported information must be corrected where possible and detailed comments should be included in the Verification Data field.
Documentation Required:
- Documentation that supports the reported energy use data which may include:
- Energy consumption records (e.g., utility bills, metering records, etc)
- Note: consumption records compiled in a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel) is ok if detailed consumption records are available for review.
- Energy meter calibration records where applicable (e.g., as per manufacturer’s specifications)
- Documented estimation methodologies if applicable.
Interview Questions to Ask:
- Staff responsible for managing energy are able to explain the facility’s energy tracking program (e.g., how energy sources are identified, and energy quantities are tracked).
- Key staff should understand:
- The procedures in place for tracking energy use.
- How data quality of the energy use tracking program is maintained.
- Any estimation methodologies used to calculate energy use.
Inspection – Things to Physically Look For:
- All energy sources observed are properly identified and tracked.
- Appropriate equipment for energy use measurement (e.g., meters) if applicable.