Articles by Daniel Stouffer on ArticleSnatch.com

When Will Global Energy Management Ever Be Achieved?

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 01:24:57 -0400

It's an interesting exercise to look at consumption of energy around the world and to compare figures now to previous decades. We can see in an alarming increase in our thirst, which makes it even more troubling when we realize that there really is no such thing as an overall approach to global energy management as such. While the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development does help to monitor economic progress among the developed nations and to foster world trade, there is still no consensus when it comes to global energy management. In many of our schools of higher education, courses have been set up for undergraduates and graduates to understand global energy management. This is where students use what they will learn in relation to energy efficiency and sustainability in its broadest senses, for their career paths ahead. No two domestic governments seem to agree about energy management policies. It's not surprising that we do not see any considerable progress in government initiatives, but that forward thinking companies are taking the baton and running themselves. At the very highest level of each organization, global energy management and the reduction of a company's energy footprint must be paramount. **End Summary** Topics: Global energy management]]> energy management]]> energy]]> sustainability]]> business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Verisae offers energy management solutions software to monitor and control global energy portfolio. Energy efficiency initiatives include operational tactics and energy conservation strategies aimed at reducing costs. This takes place either through lowering consumption, upgrading facilities, or direct energy curtailment. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

The Push Toward Electrical Energy Conservation

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:13:27 -0400

Electrical energy conservation techniques can be proactive or reactive, systemic or project-based. Often, especially in the retail environment, electricity represents a large portion of total energy spend. Conservation is nothing new, as companies can trace significant electricity use reduction initiatives back to the energy crises of the 1970s. However, with sustainability and smart energy management at the top of the list for business executives today, companies need to use modern technologies to enable a real cost reduction opportunity. Our electrical distribution networks are far from efficient, even though we haven't seen any rolling blackouts or disruptions of any significance for some time. We should be wary of the integrity of the grid though. It was thought that deregulation, separating generation from distribution, would be the golden ticket, but this has not proved to be the case. A limited approach to investment has not helped the situation, either. Utility companies are becoming moreefficient at system operation and helping to prepare for a time when a really smart grid could be an option. You can find significant savings through electrical energy conservation and even develop new streams of income for your organization if you are smart. **End Summary** Topics: Electrical energy conservation]]> energy conservation]]> energy management]]> sustainability]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Enterprise energy management provides distributed enterprises with a comprehensive view of their energy portfolio across all facilities, with data that can be linked to specific assets and delivered to energy managers anywhere in the world. Learn about Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) software from Verisae at http://www.verisae.com/articles

The High Risks of IgnoringAsset and Equipment Monitoring

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:30:05 -0400

In most situations, a company would find its own complexity to be its worst enemy. Business growth might be very welcome in any organization, but the unforeseen circumstances along with it can cause issues that need to be handled well. Within any given period of growth, there will be priorities that would have to be established according to the most glaring issues. Such could include fine tuning of customer relations, or keeping marketing at par with the competition. Not so visible systems more often get the least attention. Asset and equipment management has often been a reactive activity rather than a proactive protection. There will be a lack of historical data which can be useful to those who will be the ones responsible in the maintenance of uptime. If a track record of maintenance has not been maintained, it will be difficult to quantify a machine's efficiency. As it nears theoretical termination, in the event that it has to be upgraded, replaced or needs to have a piece of equipment considered altogether? Often, one of a company's worst enemies is its complexity. **End Summary** Topics: asset and equipment monitoring]]> asset and equipment management]]> asset management]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) platform for carbon emissions and refrigerant gas tracking, energy efficiency, sustainable asset management, and water conservation. Increased greenhouse gases regulations are causing significant challenges and impacts to business operations, brand management, and fiscal accountability. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Why Asset Management Priorities Go Unnoticed

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:22:58 -0400

At your next board room meeting, asset management priorities will not be the primary topic and you should be ready. In most situations, business executives would most often assign asset management to manual and tedious processes which can be prone to errors, with high consequent costs in the long run. There might be strong and detailed attention given to the procurement of assets, but in most situations, assets start to get neglected once these are installed. Only correct asset monitoring and management can help in attaching true value on a particular asset. The net efficiency of an asset is the result of its ability to perform relative to its intended purchase, together with its absolute energy efficiency. This latter metric is often overlooked, yet it has many hidden meanings. Asset management priorities might not be among the top priorities in the boardroom. Indeed, the subject may not appear on your agenda at all. Business executives are often mistaken in the deployment of tedious and manual asset management, which can be prone to error, not aware of the long term costs attributed to this mistake. **End Summary** Topics: asset management priorities]]> energy efficiency]]> carbon footprint]]> sustainability]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) requires California Air Resources Board to identify a list of discrete early action greenhouse gas reduction measures. Key concepts relate to refrigerant gases, leaks, and usage, and calculating carbon emissions can be explored on Verisae's website. Learn more about fugitive emissions management software at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Ignore Asset and Equipment Monitoring at Your Peril

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:15:48 -0400

An organization's complexity could be its own killer. A business that might be going through a rapid growth would have unforeseen circumstances that would come its way. In any given period of an organization's growth, priorities are usually focused on the most visible ones. On top of the list could count issues on manpower training and development, improving customer relations, and keeping marketing at par or more than the competition. The less visible systems would usually get the least attention in the boardroom. Asset and equipment management has often been a reactive activity rather than a proactive protection. There will be not that much historical data which will be useful to those overseeing maintenance unless there is a comprehensive system. It will be hard to measure a single asset's efficiency if its maintenance history was not recorded. As it approaches its theoretical end of life, should it be replaced, upgraded or should a different piece of machinery be considered altogether? Often, one of a company's worst enemies is its complexity. **End Summary** Topics: asset and equipment monitoring]]> asset and equipment management]]> asset management]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainable Asset Management : Understanding true cost of ownership of an organization's assets. Verisae's CMMS software uses a single resource to view and understand operations management and the effects of sustainability considerations on your business. Learn about Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) software at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Green Organizations Are Also Smart with Building Efficiency

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:06:16 -0400

While stakeholders and institutions are starting to find value in making investments on building efficiency, initiatives to implement green buildings across industries has increased over time. Such trend is more evident in investment trusts and companies which need to make sure that they could increase their property portfolio which have a green classification to prove building efficiency. Real estate investment trusts are turning to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program to establish credentials for building stocks. More than a third of real estate investment trusts across the county are seeking LEED certification or certified buildings. Buildings account for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and companies must ensure that they address building efficiency as they move toward corporate sustainability. Investors are aware that they can realize a premium in terms of occupancy and return on investment by concentrating on green initiatives. It is interesting to note that, despite the downturn, interest in green investments remains high. Investors have considered the long-term practicality of building efficiency investments, and likewise extended the pursuit of opportunities for sustainability. Energy efficiency is a hot topic conversation among building owners and occupiers alike. **End Summary** Topics: building efficiency]]> LEED]]> sustainability]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainable Asset Management : Understanding true cost of ownership of an organization's assets. Verisae's enterprise CMMS software captures service data currently lost in paper-based work flow processes, and provides our customers with asset-specific total cost of ownership. Learn about Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) software at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Global Asset Sustainability is the New Norm

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:34:12 -0400

Addressing asset efficiency without understanding the associated energy performance is no longer regarded as a good business practice. Organizations from around the world are moving towards an approach that is in line with a 'global asset sustainability approach'. Likewise, management teams are also finding out that it is by looking at their asset management in a global perspective that they are able to improve their financial metrics across the board. The ever-growing price of energy and the related security issues are driving the push for global asset sustainability. Energy prices are on a relentless rise and availability is far from assured. Companies realize that energy issues are significantly affecting their profit margins and unless action is taken, will threaten their very business viability. Additionally, the duel concerns of the environmental impact of energy consumption and the resulting greenhouse gas production has companies seeking a thorough corporate analysis of energy efficiency down to an asset level. It is no longer good business practice to address asset efficiency without a clear understanding of the associated energy performance. Companies around the world are rethinking their approach to asset management and moving toward a 'global asset sustainability approach'. **End Summary** Topics: global asset sustainability]]> energy efficiency]]> asset efficiency]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainable Asset Management : Understanding true cost of ownership of an organization's assets. Verisae's CMMS software uses a single resource to view and understand operations management and the effects of sustainability considerations on your business. Learn about Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) software at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Every Successful Business Knows the Benefits of Global Superior Energy Performance Partnership

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:33:27 -0400

There are many significant initiatives which emerged from the Clean Energy Ministerial meetings done in the mid-July in Washington. Such initiative would be likely to be as important as the landmark LEED certification for building efficiency. The Global Superior Energy Performance Partnership has the goal of making the energy efficiency improvements get implemented at a faster rate in different industrial and commercial facilities. On a global scale, building account for around 60% of energy and associated carbon emissions. Thus, any initiative that targets improving building energy efficiency has the potential to make a large impact on global emissions. The program is internationally backed and funding is available from a variety of countries including the United States, which fully supports the launch of the new program. In addition to the United States, Canada, France, India, Japan, Mexico, Korea, South Africa, Russia, Sweden and the European commission (as an entity) have come together to back the Global Superior Energy Performance Partnership. The strength of this initiative is in its global collaboration. To get things moving, a number of independent corporations have stepped up to the plate to become partners in the pilot scheme. Target, Wal-Mart, Marriott, Dow Chemical Co. **End Summary** Topics: Global Superior Energy Performance Partnership]]> LEED]]> ISO 50001]]> sustainability]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) requires California Air Resources Board to identify a list of discrete early action greenhouse gas reduction measures. Key concepts relate to refrigerant gases, leaks, and usage, and calculating carbon emissions can be explored on Verisae's website. Learn more about fugitive emissions management software at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Asset Sustainability: What It Means to Your Business

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:40:15 -0400

It is essential to identify some of the factors which would determine whether or not an organization's asset is efficient. Seen in another perspective, it is essential to identify fundamental metrics in terms of the assessment of asset viability and in terms of investment returns. Such factors would be centered around performance according to objectives and the baseline for industry expectations. Asset sustainability is increasingly recognized as an index of value. Companies understand how their activities may impact the people and environment all around them and are beginning to interpret the true meaning of corporate social responsibility. The company understands that it relies on natural resources to operate and that it must be a better steward of these resources. What factors determine whether a particular asset is efficient or not within any given organization? Placed in another light, what should be the most essential metrics in terms of asset viability assessment and ROI? Traditional organizations have placed such factors to be central on performance according to specific objectives, with benchmarks reflecting the organization's expected outcome. Every company needs to decide how it can minimize its exposure, while trying to operate to its maximum potential. **End Summary** Topics: asset sustainability]]> sustainability]]> greenhouse gas emissions]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) platform delivers a broad range of enterprise solutions to clients worldwide with a service network of thousands of third parties and application users. Verisae's software manages, and monetizes energy costs and carbon emissions while providing a rapid ROI. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Water Efficient Strategy: A Way Towards Corporate Sustainability

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:14:06 -0400

Society demands corporate attention to sustainability. While you could argue that any time an external entity places a "demand" upon an organization, it represents a threat that must be addressed. You could also argue that the drive to sustainability makes good fiscal sense as well. The first step is to gather accurate and quantifiable information to create a baseline. This should be applied to all scarce resources, including energy and water, with both a carbon and a water footprint revealed. A water efficient strategy may be implemented once a baseline position has been calculated and a thorough analysis of the true cost of water quite clearly understood. The full accounting approach should be adopted, so that expenses associated with indirect liabilities are factored into the equation. If a particular action associated with water treatment or discharge "upsets" a particular stakeholder or an investor, what are the real implications, in financial and other terms of this action? Our society could demand much corporate attention to sustainability. While you could argue that any time an external entity places a "demand" upon an organization, it represents a threat that must be addressed. **End Summary** Topics: water efficient strategy]]> sustainability]]> brand management]]> verisae inc]]> daniel stouffer]]> sustainability resource planning]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) platform delivers a broad range of enterprise solutions to clients worldwide with a service network of thousands of third parties and application users. Verisae's software manages, and monetizes energy costs and carbon emissions while providing a rapid ROI. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Water Risks Assessment Is A Priority

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:37:48 -0400

As all organizations rely much on water, risks related to water use needs to be assessed in a comprehensive approach to ensure its sustainability. Such risks could change industry by industry, company to company, though could be relative to numerous scenarios which could be a little complex. It is not enough to ask whether or not water shall be available, as there are complex political and socio-economic issues which could factor out with the overall equation. It is important to realize that no organization exists in a vacuum. As the company relies on the procurement of resources from outside its boundaries, so it cannot assume that these resources will be available based on purely economic factors alone. As there are a number of organizations that are heavily reliant on the consumption of water, risks related to it need to be assessed in a comprehensive way to ensure sustainability. These risks can change from one particular industry to another and from one company to another, but they are invariably complex and tied to numerous different scenarios. In short, it's not simply enough to question whether water will be available, as complex socioeconomic and political issues factor into the equation. **End Summary** Topics: water risks]]> risk assessment]]> sustainability]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) platform delivers a broad range of enterprise solutions to clients worldwide with a service network of thousands of third parties and application users. Verisae's software manages, and monetizes energy costs and carbon emissions while providing a rapid ROI. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Are You Playing Your Part to Reduce Water Consumption?

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:20:07 -0400

Smarter companies will always know better. While other companies are focusing on carbon emissions reduction as an answer to the call for sustainability, the smarter ones are encompassing their sustainability resource planning across all possible areas, including actions to reduce water consumption. This includes water inventory from sources to water footprint, as well as the drafting of water management plan that considers risks. The greenhouse gas protocol tells us that there are different categories of carbon emissions. It is already well understood that carbon emissions can be produced directly and indirectly either in the upstream or downstream in any production facility. We can refer to this analogy when trying to reduce water consumption, by ensuring that we understand how water can be used in the supply chain and in disposal efforts. A smart company can take three steps to reduce water consumption, while also protecting its position in the marketplace, assessing risks and embracing sustainability. First of all, an organization would have to assess its water baseline, get accurate inventory of its water resources and identify its water footprint. Secondly, it must fully understand its risk exposure and thirdly it must design and implement a plan. **End Summary** Topics: reduce water consumption]]> sustainability]]> water for print]]> greenhouse gas protocol]]> carbon emissions]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) offers solutions for carbon emissions & refrigerant gas tracking, energy efficiency, sustainable asset management, and water conservation. Increased regulations to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) will cause significant challenges and will impact business operations, brand management, fiscal accountability, and risk mitigation strategies. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Sturdy Energy Abatement Plans Would Be Tighter

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:37:07 -0400

Advocates for the protection of the environment argue that the EU is far ahead when it comes to energy abatement and carbon emissions reduction compared to the rest of the world. The European Union has an 80% emissions reduction which can be achieved by 2040, about 40 years from now. It is also perceived that the power sector needs to bring about the largest transformation in this area which will also benefit multiple sectors in terms of its consequent savings. Highly respected analysts, McKinsey & Co. argued within their energy abatement curve documentation that alternative energy concepts must be embraced immediately. Included in this would be nuclear, hydro, biomass, offshore and onshore wind turbines, solar and geothermal. Traditional fossil fuel usage must be brought to near zero for power generation purposes. Advocates for the environment could have the position on the European Union's efforts in carbon emissions reduction and energy abatement to be far ahead compared to the rest of the world. The European Union holds an emissions reduction of 80% that appears to be achievable by 2050, which is only 40 years from now. **End Summary** Topics: Energy abatement]]> carbon emissions]]> energy abatement curve]]> decarbonized]]> carbon capture and storage]]> carbon taxation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Enterprise energy management provides distributed enterprises with a comprehensive view of their energy portfolio across all facilities, with data that can be linked to specific assets and delivered to energy managers anywhere in the world. Learn about Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) software from Verisae at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Any Company that Minds A Corporate Water Strategy Is A Cut Above the Rest

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:42:13 -0400

Within an overall goal of sustainability, the management of water often falls far down the pecking order. Simply, companies can often not see past the need to constrain their carbon emissions. There is little wonder, as so much emphasis has been placed on the establishment of a carbon footprint that this term is very much a household word these days. Smart companies are coming to understand that they cannot be sustainable until and unless they pay attention to the management of all their resources. Companies may not be able to understand the risks they face, nor the opportunities that are available to them, associated with your consumption of water unless they create a footprint to cover this issue as well. A water footprint will investigate how the company uses water currently and how it discharges wastewater as a consequence of doing business. There are many risks associated with the use or discharge of water and the company must be able to assess these risks as part of its total strategy. Within an overall goal of sustainability, the management of water often falls far down the pecking order. **End Summary** Topics: corporate water strategy]]> sustainability]]> water footprint]]> carbon footprint]]> verisae inc]]> sustainability resource planning]]> daniel stouffer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) offers solutions for carbon emissions & refrigerant gas tracking, energy efficiency, sustainable asset management, and water conservation. Increased regulations to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) will cause significant challenges and will impact business operations, brand management, fiscal accountability, and risk mitigation strategies. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Organizations that Mind Sustainable Water Management are Smarter

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:35:10 -0400

Organizations from all over the world are preoccupied with executing organizational reforms with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainability. Public information is so much accessible and free within the past few years and consumers are in the position of being more informed than ever before. On top of that, legislation also stipulate some conditions and terms that compel organizations to mind their environmental responsibility, including their strategies for sustainable water management. Most risk analysts often find it hard to suggest concrete initiatives for sustainable water management, as it is still a relatively difficult concept to understand for most. We use water in the production of almost everything and over the decades we have tended to look at it as a free resource, scarcely valuing real worth. As it appears, an organization's risk management department gets busier around this time as companies from around the world are trying to find a better position as business operations are geared towards better environmental protection strategies. Individuals are far more educated about constrained living and expect the companies that they do business with to take a similar approach. **End Summary** Topics: sustainable water management]]> corporate sustainability]]> carbon emissions]]> sustainability resource planning]]> verisae inc]]> Daniel Stouffer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) software from Verisae helps to manage carbon emissions tracking and reporting requirements across global organizations. The SRP platform makes it easier to report carbon emissions and track refrigerant gases. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

American Power Act vs Clean Air Act

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 05:36:06 -0400

It appears that there is some language within the new American Power Act that seeks to dampen the power of the EPA as written into the Clean Air Act. The latter is seen as a very successful piece of legislation, dating back to 1970, but in the judgment handed down by the Supreme Court in 2007, the EPA was granted powerful authority to regulate carbon emissions as part of that Act. Critics of legislation passed by the House of Representatives to deal with climate change have made their voices heard during composition of the American Power Act. Specifically, as it appears that the EPA is ready to introduce regulation to curb stationary sources of carbon emissions, some members of Congress want new legislation to be written to pre-empt it. It appears that there is some language within the new American Power Act that seeks to dampen the power of the EPA as written into the Clean Air Act. The latter is seen as a very successful piece of legislation, dating back to 1970, but in the judgment handed down by the Supreme Court in 2007, the EPA was granted powerful authority to regulate carbon emissions as part of that Act. **End Summary** Topics: American Power Act]]> Clean Air Act]]> carbon emissions]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) offers solutions for carbon emissions & refrigerant gas tracking, energy efficiency, sustainable asset management, and water conservation. Increased regulations to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) will cause significant challenges and will impact business operations, brand management, fiscal accountability, and risk mitigation strategies. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

What to Expect from The Carbon Trade Scheme?

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:26:14 -0400

Known to be one of the queer bedfellows for the longest time, politicians and environmentalists have long had the strangest relationship, and even more today. Our political leaders are aiming to regulate carbon trade, in the hopes of encouraging organizations to use the least amount of energy possible. We are looking at more innovative strategies for the carbon emissions reduction in the future, as the political landscape continues to change. In 2009, the political landscape was such that the House of Representatives in the United States was able to pass a comprehensive raft of legislation, albeit narrowly. The controversial "cap and trade", also similar to EU's Emissions trading Scheme, is part of The American Clean Energy and Security Act. Despite the efforts required to pass this through the House, little has been achieved since that time in the Senate. Environmentalist and politicians have always been a strange combination, even more during the present political landscapes. Our political leaders have struggles to arrive at ways to regulate the carbon trade, ensuring that organizations will have corresponding penalty for excess energy use. **End Summary** Topics: Carbon trade]]> cap and trade]]> emissions trading]]> carbon emissions]]> sustainability]]> climate legislation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) platform delivers a broad range of enterprise solutions to over 40 global clients with a service network of over 7,500 consultants consisting of 65,000 application users. Verisae's software manages, and monetizes energy costs and carbon emissions while providing a rapid ROI. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Overproduction Waste is One of the Seven Deadly Sins

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:54:04 -0400

Distinctive areas of waste inefficiencies that could be a threat to any company's profitability, and therefore to sustainability, has been identified by Toyota, one of the leading auto manufacturers in the world. Essentially, these areas could kill a company's sustainability due to excesses that could pull down profit, including: poor quality control, movement (or motion), transport, waiting time, overproduction, process and inventory. It can be deceiving to think that just because you can't see any waste, then waste is not there. A very bad example of how the majority of establishments nowadays just pay lipservice to the principles of sustainability is the overproduction waste. In fact, many organizations believe that overproduction is a necessary part of doing business. Overproduction waste is simply the production of goods in quantities that are greater than demand. This position will be especially aggravated during an economic slowdown and will become very difficult to reverse. For a single item to be considered to have been "overproduced", it has to incur additional waste elements throughout the entire lifecycle process. **End Summary** Topics: overproduction waste]]> sustainability]]> overproduction]]> verisae in]]> daniel stouffer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) platform delivers a broad range of enterprise solutions to over 40 global clients with a service network of over 7,500 consultants consisting of 65,000 application users. Verisae's software manages, and monetizes energy costs and carbon emissions while providing a rapid ROI. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Greenhouse Gas Regulation Arrives

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:28:03 -0400

Supporters of the climate change advocacy are victorious as Senators Kerry and Lieberman as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have rolled out their final ruling for the greenhouse gas regulation at the federal level. The EPA is about to set regulations for greenhouse gas emissions from the largest facilities, as part of the overall scope of the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act includes permitting requirements and greenhouse gas regulation that would kick in in January 2011, when the largest facilities are required to include greenhouse gases in their permitting allocations. As 2011 rolls out, these permitting requirements will be expanded and all facilities with greenhouse gas emissions of at least 100,000 tons per annum will be required to get permission before they can operate. The second week in May, 2010 was momentous for climate change protagonists as not only did Senators Kerry and Lieberman finally unveil their much vaunted climate legislation, but the EPA also announced their final rule in the process of greenhouse gas regulation at the federal level. The EPA is set to regulate emissions from the largest industrial facilities, as part of the overall reach of the Clean Air Act. **End Summary** Topics: greenhouse gas regulation]]> Clean Air Act]]> cap and trade]]> greenhouse gas emissions]]> American Power Act]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Verisae offers energy management solutions software to monitor and control global energy portfolio. Energy efficiency initiatives include operational tactics and energy conservation strategies aimed at reducing costs. This takes place either through lowering consumption, upgrading facilities, or direct energy curtailment. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

What to Expect from The American Power Act

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:26:03 -0400

In one of the most volatile political seasons for several times in one year, the climate bill that is sponsored by Senators Kerry and Lieberman gained two-faced attention from the skeptics and the supporters. Tagged as the American Power Act, it lacks support from a prominent Republican senator. Graham has turned his back on this bill on the last days of its completion. The American Power Act has some similarities to the legislation passed by the House of Representatives in 2009. Their American Clean Energy and Security Act called for a comprehensive cap and trade mechanism for containing carbon emissions over the next few decades. The Senate version as proposed by Kerry/Lieberman focuses on major emitters, represented by power utility companies initially. In one of the most politically volatile legislative seasons that we have seen for many a year, the much vaunted climate bill sponsored by Senators John Kerry and Joseph Lieberman has been received with equal doses of skepticism and praise. Notably known as the American Power Act, this proposal poses to be weak in the aspect of lacking endorsement from a prominent Republican senator. Sen. **End Summary** Topics: American Power Act]]> American Clean Energy and Security Act]]> cap and trade]]> carbon liabilities]]> sustainability]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Enterprise energy management provides distributed enterprises with a comprehensive view of their energy portfolio across all facilities, with data that can be linked to specific assets and delivered to energy managers anywhere in the world. Learn about Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) software from Verisae at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Federal Energy Legislation Highlights Political Volatility

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:41:06 -0400

Whether you like it or not, the United States political system can be very intriguing, and at the same time be very entertaining. With the "new carbon economy", we expect big initiatives that will be done by the governments all over the world for the curtailment of carbon emissions for the sake of the climate. Many considerations for climate related initiatives and energy efficiency are being considered and problems surrounding the recent federal energy legislation emphasizes how volatile the entire arena will become. An independent observer could reason that whereas climate related issues should concern us all quite rightly, there are other, sometimes more pressing items to be considered within the political landscape that could temper enthusiasm for federal energy legislation. While many believe the only a significant "cap and trade" scheme could really make a difference and have any chance of helping us meet the 80% reductions talked about by 2050, others point to significant increases in energy costs as a result and the potential for economic hardship. Like it or hate it, you have to agree that the United States political system is intriguing, if not entertaining. **End Summary** Topics: Federal energy legislation]]> cap and trade]]> Clean Air Act]]> ACES Act]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) platform delivers a broad range of enterprise solutions to over 40 global clients with a service network of over 7,500 consultants consisting of 65,000 application users. Verisae's software manages, and monetizes energy costs and carbon emissions while providing a rapid ROI. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Senate Energy Bill: Compeling Action

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:57:13 -0400

After a long time of political noise, the Senate energy bill is rolled out which was written by Lieberman and Kerry as the country was trying to confront issues related to oil spill caused by the oil rig fire. Energy efficiency is central to the news of today which has caused organizations to mind their energy consumption to know how these can become sustainable. In short, the Senate energy bill is prompting action around the country. As the alternative of the Senate for the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the American Power Act was passed in 2009 by the House of Representatives. As part of the proposal by the Senate, there are thousands of industrial facilities which consume high amounts of energy while refineries and power plants will need to pay fees to produce carbon dioxide, as part of the greenhouse gas emissions regulation. Senators Lieberman and Kerry has finally rolled the Senate energy bill which they have authored, just in time when the United States had to resolve the issues resulting from the massive oil spill which was caused by the oil rig fire offshore. **End Summary** Topics: Senate energy bill]]> American Power Act]]> American Clean Energy and Security Act]]> sustainability]]> cap and trade]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Verisae offers energy management solutions software to monitor and control global energy portfolio. Energy efficiency initiatives include operational tactics and energy conservation strategies aimed at reducing costs. This takes place either through lowering consumption, upgrading facilities, or direct energy curtailment. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Sustainable Resource Planning: The Importance of Waste Management Facts and Figures

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:16:16 -0400

Minding waste management facts and figures of your own company can help encourage change in the society on a larger scale. Organizations should be very clear when they determine waste management facts and figures, to make sure that they adopt a plan that will be tenable, as well as sustainable. Most often than not, an establishment's decision-makers would only consider recycling programs to be one of the requirements for the society without realizing that savings for the company can be realized from implementing this initiative too. Waste management facts generally show us that as a society we are grossly inefficient. With the current waste disposal practices, about 95% of the total volume of wastes go to the landfilla, thereby being ineffective. A typical landfill is a grossly inefficient way of dealing with our mountains of waste. We simply bury the solid waste that will not degrade, in some cases, for decades. In addition to the fact that the landfill is an eyesore, it is responsible for the generation of liquid leachate, methane and carbon dioxide and our landfills are very contributor to our greenhouse gas problems. **End Summary** Topics: Waste management facts]]> waste management]]> greenhouse gas]]> sustainability]]> supply chain]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) offers solutions for carbon emissions & refrigerant gas tracking, energy efficiency, sustainable asset management, and water conservation. Increased regulations to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) will cause significant challenges and will impact business operations, brand management, fiscal accountability, and risk mitigation strategies. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Implementation of the Climate Plan Requires Zero Carbon Energy Production

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:32:10 -0400

The European Climate Foundation published a report suggesting that the EU will be able to achieve 80% reduction targets for its greenhouse gas emissions through 2050 so long as aggressive actions are taken by organizations. Such report suggests that the indicated targets are achievable and would lead to economic benefits for multiple sectors, aside from appeasing the environmentalists. Central to the assertions made by the European Climate Foundation is to make all energy production close to being entirely carbon neutral by 2050, given that the EU will be united in achieving this through the soonest possible investments. Initiatives such as renewable energy generation, like increasing nuclear capacity, needs to be pursued as early as possible. If there is a significant delay through our current decade, building targets and other initiatives will be accelerated so significantly that they may not be achievable. In a report submitted by the European Climate Foundation, it was stated that the EU will be able to reduce its carbon emissions by up to 80% throughout 2050, given that the EU will be able to aggressively pursue initiatives for this target. **End Summary** Topics: Climate plan]]> greenhouse gas emissions]]> Emissions Trading Scheme]]> cap and trade]]> burden sharing agreement]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Verisae offers energy management solutions software to monitor and control global energy portfolio. Energy efficiency initiatives include operational tactics and energy conservation strategies aimed at reducing costs. This takes place either through lowering consumption, upgrading facilities, or direct energy curtailment. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

Help Your Business Save Through Energy Efficiency Examples

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:11:03 -0400

The Pew Center for Global Climate Change highlights why firms need to be proactive when it comes to finding ways to become energy efficient and should not wait for any regulation that will be compelled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In a recent report, the Center has concluded that there are a number of attitudinal and reputational advantages for such initiatives that lead to financial benefits. Companies should start to consider some examples of energy efficiency should they wish to find ways of improving their market position. According to Pew, those companies that strive to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as a core part of the business strategy benefited in many different ways. So long as clear goals were established and the system was set up to collect data and manage the outcome, clear results could be demonstrated. It is emphasized by the Pew Center for Global Climate Change that companies need to be proactive in seeking energy efficient practices, and need not wait for any EPA-imposed regulation to compel such. A recent report that was issued by the body offers a clearer picture. **End Summary** Topics: examples of energy efficiency]]> greenhouse gas emissions]]> low hanging fruit]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) platform delivers a broad range of enterprise solutions to over 40 global clients with a service network of over 7,500 consultants consisting of 65,000 application users. Verisae's software manages, and monetizes energy costs and carbon emissions while providing a rapid ROI. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles