Use green data for impact measurement and realization of efficiency gains

The green transition is on everybody's lips – and with good reason. One report after another has pointed out that we need to change behavior if we are to limit the harmful carbon emissions.

Particularly companies are faced with green demands to run their business in a more sustainable manner. Although the agenda is not exactly new – for years and years, companies have had policies to close the doors, turn off the light, turn down the heat, etc. – many of the efforts have been a bit of a grope in the dark.

'Companies have had a hard time figuring out what handles to turn to achieve maximum impact and how the business case should look if they are to make energy improvements. The use of energy data can help support both impact measurements and estimated realization of efficiency gains.'

- Morten Raffnsøe Petz, Senior Consultant, KMD

Green data promote behavioral change

Most companies would probably like to optimize their energy consumption – to protect the environment and to save money. However, experience shows that good intentions alone do not inspire behavioral change in the same way as when it is supported by hard facts in the form of data, statistics and visual reports.

'Green data bridge the gap between insight and behavioral change. It is easier for the brain to change behavior if we understand why it is necessary to change behavior. Green data can document and communicate that in an easily understandable way,' says Morten Raffnsøe Petz.

Energy improvement is a competitive parameter

Increased insight into the company's energy consumption is like as a three-stage rocket. When the company has the right data collection and data analysis tools, energy consumption can be documented in detail. When energy consumption can be documented in detail, understanding increases. And when understanding increases, it also becomes more natural to work with proactive measures to optimize energy consumption.

'It could be in the form of information campaigns to the part or parts of the company where the greatest gains can be realized. Or it could be in the form of benchmark analyses which compare the company's production process with a corresponding industry standard,' says Morten Raffnsøe Petz and continues:

'Green data can help turn the energy optimization work into an internal and external competitive parameter. How much money can we save and how many tons of carbon emissions can we cut for the benefit of the environment? The answers to those questions are of interest to the company's employees, customers, collaborative partners and the public."

Analysis tools needed

Today, companies can check their energy consumption themselves or via a supplier. But if they are to be able to act on their energy consumption, they need new forms of analysis tools that can apply an analytics layer to the company's consumption.

'We have seen how data can be used to increase insight into sports, employment support activities, social efforts and much more. Now time is ripe for using data to support responsible, sustainable operations via the systems. The tools have been developed and the potential is huge. Now, we just have to get started on the first project,' Morten Raffnsøe Petz finishes.