Enterprise Carbon and Energy Management (ECEM) Systems

Please note: The content of this article is in the process of being updated to reflect the latest CRC scheme design. Updated content will be posted shortly. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) website contains complete details on program requirements and design.

Why ECEM systems are critical?

A lot has changed since the Kyoto Protocol, then seen as a very significant landmark, was signed into existence. As countries from around the world gather in Denmark to debate the content of its successor, the world is indeed a different place.

There is now a much clearer understanding of the scope of the problem and a delineation of responsibilities has been made. Most significantly of all, the United States of today is, politically, a very different place and it is likely that the new administration will champion the cause of environmental care more effectively.

Today, as the role of business in the play of climate change is the subject of much attention, enterprise carbon and energy management systems are in the process of becoming key management tools.

Business is forever evolving and is dependent on sophisticated systems and the interaction of a diverse group of stakeholders. We live in a very aware society, one in which media and communication has evolved beyond all recognition. No organization can keep its head stuck in the sand when it comes to climate related issues and each company must take responsibility for its position.

Enterprise Carbon and Energy Management Systems Paves a Way for Any Company to Be Counted in the Carbon Economy

Enterprise carbon and energy management systems provide a way for the company to stand up and be counted in the carbon economy. We have already seen significant efforts, led by the UK's CRC Energy Efficiency scheme, to require organizations to purchase their right to emit carbon. In a very short space of time, the carbon footprint has emerged from the realm of public relations to become the subject of a tradable commodity, core to an organization's very existence.

While progress in the United States may be a little slower, legislation is on the table and may result in a carbon “cap and trade” program as early as 2010, but more likely 2011. We have already seen the willingness of Pres. Obama to focus on core sustainability, as his executive order is now causing federal agency chiefs to hurriedly define their agency emissions, understand sustainability and plan for reductions. Any organization that believes mandatory pressure will not be brought to bear in the future is likely being very shortsighted.

Organizations need critical systems and solutions to provide them with the material and information necessary to survive and prosper. Energy management and related carbon measuring systems are emerging.

Carbon trading, in and of itself, can represent a threat or opportunity, depending on how you view it and how prepared you are. It is certain that highly accurate data will be required and that this will require a thorough analysis of the business lifecycle. Asset performance must be optimized, understood and recordable, as at the core of enterprise carbon and energy management systems. It is no longer acceptable to “do-it-yourself” using any number of hybrid calculations and approaches. The integrated system must anticipate the information that will be required and provide it in timely fashion.

System providers such as Verisae specialize in enterprise carbon and energy management systems. The Sustainability Resource Planning product gathers data from assets across the distributed enterprise, drawing resources together, providing real-time information on energy use, efficiency and subsequent carbon emissions.

About Verisae

Verisae helps measure, manage and reduce equipment and energy costs including the related business and environmental impacts of carbon emissions. The Sustainability Resource Planning (“SRP”) software platform improves operational efficiency, protects brand integrity and helps ensure regulatory compliance for distributed enterprises across many industries. Verisae delivers a broad range of sustainability solutions to dozens of clients globally with thousands of daily users including an extended network of third-party suppliers. Verisae’s integrated sustainability platform actively tracks millions of assets across thousands of sites worldwide.

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