You're facing skeptical clients about energy efficiency. How can you convince them of the benefits?

First step - understand the reason why they are sceptical. The six measures listed here miss one very large reason why energy savings measures aren't taken forward. Reason is that defining/implementing them can be really disruptive/require work on behalf of the client, for which they need to find suitably qualified personnel with bandwidth to "take on" such a project. If a client is government funded, there's further procedural challenge requiring them to run a formal tender process, which is not easy, quick, or cheap. I've been in a position where I could offer multi-m equipment that delivered multi-10m's savings in a few years, completely financed from energy savings, and client said no - too hard.

Energy efficiency refers to the ability to achieve a desired level of energy output with minimal wasted energy. Energy efficiency offers a wide range of benefits across various sectors of society. Here are some of the key benefits of energy efficiency, 1) Energy efficiency reduces the amount of energy required to perform a specific task, thereby minimizing energy waste ultimately reduces energy consumption. 2) By using resources more efficiently, we can meet current energy needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet our needs. 3) Energy-efficient buildings and workplaces often provide better indoor air quality, temperature control, and lighting, which can enhance comfort, health, and productivity.

A mi me ha resultado útil explicar al cliente, usuario o administrador, que es la eficiencia energética y cómo impacta en la sustentabilidad, el impacto ambiental y la huella de carbono generada. Adicionalmente explicarles las estrategias pasivas y activas que se pueden implementar, siempre con las personas como elemento clave de la eficiencia energética. Por último, pero usualmente más importante, mostrarles financieramente como puede ahorrar dinero en el pago mensual de su factura y como puede recuperar su inversión y/o pagar un leasing/credito/servicio en caso de tenerlo con los ahorros.

See Energy Efficiency as a kind of investment with long-term benefits and positive goals you will be proud of. With Energy Efficiency investment you not only save money on utility bills but also enhance the lifespan of your appliances, increasing the value of your home which makes it competitive in the market, improving your home aesthetic. Above all, it makes you the hero as you contribute to a healthier environment for your family, tenants, neighbors, friends, and the world at large.

In my experience you have to start in alliance with the CFO's financial team, and of course that implies that you also made a thorough technical understanding of the initiative and mount a proper tracking of results. Now this pilot project should have a before & after analysis , to be analyzed under their financial parameters to prove its ROI & NPV is appropriate to the company's financial thresholds. Then you also have to collect the added value to share it with other leadership teams, like the operational quality benefits , regulatory/certification compliance, positive environmental impacts , market differentiation, etc. , the it becomes a partnership with Finance & Operations because you showed them the money!!!.

Escuchaba recientemente en el Foro de ESG y Sustentabilidad de México 2024, a un director de sustentabilidad hablando de este tema, y explicaba una realidad en donde las certificaciones no les aporta a las empresas, esto en general, y como ellos han logrado identificar el valor de las certificaciones sustentables comparando diferentes propiedades de su portafolio. De esta forma han podido identificar que las edificaciones con certificaciones, las cuales cuentan con un diseño, implementación y operación continuo a favor de la eficiencia energética tienen menores consumos de energía eléctrica, agua, y adicionalmente cuentan con una tasa de operación (y renta) mayor a las propiedades que no cuentan con estas certificaciones ni programas de ee

When facing skeptical clients about energy efficiency, emphasize the significant increase in property value as a key benefit. Energy-efficient buildings are highly attractive in the real estate market, as they promise lower operating costs and enhanced sustainability. This appeal not only ensures quicker sales but often commands higher prices. Additionally, energy-efficient upgrades such as improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, and modern HVAC systems can significantly enhance the building’s appeal, functionality, and longevity, making it a more valuable asset in the long term.

Convincing skeptical clients about energy efficiency requires highlighting the operational benefits clearly. Emphasize cost savings through reduced energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills. Point out enhanced equipment lifespan due to decreased strain, minimizing maintenance and replacement costs. Highlight improved system reliability and performance, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. Stress the positive impact on regulatory compliance and potential incentives. By demonstrating tangible, immediate benefits, clients can see energy efficiency as a strategic investment rather than a cost.

Este punto de beneficios monetarios puede ser muy relevante dependiendo del país. Un ejemplo es Colombia, donde existen beneficios fiscales para proyectos de eficiencia energética. Lo cual permite tener un retorno de inversión en menor tiempo. Punto clave, conocer los programas, los requisitos y reglamentación del país en donde se encuentre el proyecto.

Governments sometimes can play helpful role in enhancing energy management in a nationwide scale. As an instance government can offer incentives to the energy sector plyers who design and run energy conservation schemes or provide solutions to utilize more economical or greener energy sources in different sectors. Incentives can be offered in a wide range like tax reduction, low interest rate bank facilities, custom tariff reduction and so on.