What you don’t measure, you don’t see

Optimising energy use in industry starts with understanding

Blind spots for energy consumption

In many plants, the total energy consumption is known on a monthly basis from the electricity or heating bill – but there is no more precise information on exactly what the energy is used for. Without detailed measurement, it is not possible to identify inefficient processes, hidden consumers or equipment that consumes energy when idle.

There is also a lack of understanding that huge amounts of energy are also consumed outside the production process. This is like trying to save money without monitoring your own spending: impossible.

What does measurement enable?

When energy consumption is measured systematically and in real time, the basis for real optimisation is created:

• Bottlenecks and losses become visible.
  • Old motors, poorly adjusted systems or equipment left on unnecessarily at night can be identified and replaced with more efficient solutions.
• Decision-making is based on data, not emotion.
  • Energy efficiency investments can be justified with concrete figures and a realistic payback period.
• Reporting on sustainability will be easier.
  • Increasingly, regulation and customer demand require verifiable information on environmental impacts.
• Process optimisation will be improved.
  • For example, heating and cooling systems can be tailored to actual needs, resulting in both cost and environmental savings.

Modern metering solutions – more than just a consumption meter

With today’s technology, measurement can be implemented with smart sensors, IoT devices and analytics platforms that enable:

• Real-time monitoring of energy at device level
• Abnormal consumption alerts
• Reporting and trend analysis
• Integration with production control or maintenance systems

Energy saving starts with visibility

The saying “You can’t manage what you don’t measure” is particularly true in energy management. When consumption is made visible, change begins. Seeing brings understanding, and understanding leads to action.

Energy efficiency is not just an environmental act – it is also an economic decision and a competitive advantage. But it all starts with the same thing: measurement.

AUTHOR

Jere Kilpi, Director, Commercial Solutions

Director, Commercial Solutions

+358 40 451 3976

jere.kilpi@leasegreen.com