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Table 3 is a generic list of potential sources of electrical- and thermal-energy savings in a typical facility. The challenge is to conduct a brief assessment and identify several good opportunities.

Table 4 contains examples of cost-savings calculations for an electrical project and a thermal project. Each item identified for a facility should be analyzed in a similar manner.

Some electrical projects (e.g., replacing perfectly good lighting and smoothly running motors) may seem time-consuming and result in lower overall savings. If your power cost is 4 to 6 cents, electrical projects will not yield a good return on investment. Conversely, if your power cost is 10 to 12 cents, any type of electrical project will be extremely attractive. Moreover, thermal projects also can produce exceptional savings. You just need to perform the audits and associated analysis.

Tabulating everything in an Excel spreadsheet (using next year's energy-supply and project-implementation costs) can be an easy method of comparing economic benefits and presenting projects to management for approval. Additionally, it makes you much better prepared to have an honest discussion with equipment suppliers.

When purchasing products, use life-cycle analysis, rather than simply go with the lowest-cost option. One caution: Government stimulus programs have drawn a few nefarious characters into the green-energy movement. Some were selling automobiles and real estate just last year. Check the fine print about performance guarantee before buying.

Did you find this article useful? Send comments and suggestions to Executive Editor Scott Arnold at scott.arnold@penton.com.

The president of JoGar Energy Services (www.jogarenergy.com), provider of on-site technical reviews, inspection services, and training seminars, Gary W. Wamsley, PE, CEM, has 40 years of plant-operation and management experience in the tire, aerospace, and paper industries. He is a member of ASME, the American Institute of Plant Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Association of Energy Engineers, as well as HPAC Engineering's Editorial Advisory Board.