There’s a lot of talk these days about “becoming more sustainable.” Organizations and companies are under pressure from governments and the public at large to lower their carbon emissions. But how exactly can your organization become more sustainable? One way is to start with a Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) and use that as your jumping off point to a more sustainable future.
In this article, we’ll be getting into the nitty gritty of what a SEAP is. Then we’ll list 4 steps you can take to implement one at your company.
What is a Sustainable Energy Action Plan?
A Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) is a document that outlines how to reduce carbon emissions through better energy use and generation. A SEAP has the potential to reduce utilities expense for your organization as well as reap environmental benefits. The plan typically focuses on reducing carbon emissions by a certain percentage and by a certain year, outlining targets and responsibilities for each party involved.
4 Steps to Implement a Sustainable Energy Action Plan at Your Organization
Step 1: Research and Development
Before you can implement your SEAP, you must lay the groundwork. This involves diagnosing key areas where your organization can improve its energy use and then prioritizing the necessary efficiency projects. Below are some sample actions your organization can take:
- Switch to or begin incorporating renewable energy, either by generating your own or procuring it. For all you need to know about renewable energy generation and procurement, download “The Essential Guide to Procuring Renewable Energy.”
- Start monitoring your energy use via energy management software to determine which areas of your organization are using the most energy. This will help you determine where it makes sense to implement efficiency projects.
- Take part in carbon accounting to determine how much greenhouse gasses your organization is actually emitting.
Step 1 of implementation also includes identifying areas that are “easy wins” or sectors where energy reduction is simpler and can happen quickly, e.g., switching the type of lightbulb your buildings use. Lastly, it is important to outline necessary resources needed and discuss these with all stakeholders and the community in order to gain support. After all tools and measurements are in place, the SEAP can continue.
Step 2: Delivery and Scale
In the second phase, deliver the “easy wins” or the projects that see a significant reduction in energy use in a short time. These projects will then be scaled up for higher energy savings. In this step, begin larger projects, with the support of the community and all stakeholders.
Step 3: Measuring Targets
At this point, it’s important to assess all projects, measuring them against the targets set. The smaller projects should have gained momentum, and the larger projects should be well underway to reducing energy use.
Step 4: Continued Dispatch of a Sustainable Energy Action Plan
The SEAP projects should continue along the set course, accelerating when necessary to meet targets. Projects that are not meeting requirements must be revised with the help of key stakeholders.
How Tango Energy & Sustainability Can Help
A sustainable energy action plan also entails third-party monitoring and reporting, which offers transparency for all involved. Through this control, the SEAP can be revised to ensure quality and quantifiable results. Tango offers energy and sustainably management software which includes:
- Assisting your organization with renewable energy procurement and tracking the performance of your renewable generation
- Energy and emissions data monitoring
- Measurement and verification of all efficiency projects
