ABSTRACT
Energy efficiency is that action taken to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services across all market segments. Improvements in energy efficiency are most often achieved by adopting a more efficient technology or production process. Manufacturers, consumers, commercial building owners, government at all levels and industrial facilities are struggling with volatile energy costs needed to meet those continued levels of energy consumption. The commercial sector is considerably more heterogeneous than residential buildings, encompassing hospitals, schools, offices, houses of worship, lodging, and the retail sector with its big box stores, enclosed malls, strip malls, grocery stores and fast food and sit-down restaurants. Industrial energy intensity is often used to gauge trends in the efficiency of energy use. Energy efficient technologies, procedures and operating behaviors allow facilities to control the energy costs. Energy-efficient principles and activities also contribute to the mechanical integrity and reliability of energy-using equipment such as boilers, furnaces, air compressors, fans, pumps, and motor-driven systems.
