A leading global energy management company, E-Mon's products and services help clients measure their energy consumption and assess the effectiveness of energy saving behaviors—from basic modifications like changing light fixtures, to more involved endeavors like pursuing LEED certification.
Energy meters are an important component of the effort to save energy and reduce operational costs in our schools. As budgets are cut and funds become scarce, energy efficiency initiatives are helping schools rescue money that can then be used to fund school programs. Horace Mann Elementary is just one of many schools that will benefit from E-Mon's technology, once their meters are installed this fall.
In the following video, E-Mon certified electrical sales associate Bob Fern explains the hows and whys of energy meters and the installation process to Emily Curley of the Alliance Education Team and Greg Bellamy, Horace Mann's custodian.
How does an energy meter work?
“We'll have one meter that monitors the energy being used for the school. With that, they'll be able to monitor the actual hours (KWh) over the web and get a dashboard with all that information...Along with that, they'll also be able to get their carbon footprint. It's a nice way to be able to track your energy use, and [save energy]...The key is being able to monitor what you have, and then you are able to make changes in the way that you use energy.”
How can a school use the energy meter to save energy and money?
An energy meter provides feedback not only of how much energy the school is using overall, but when it is using energy the most. That way the school can stagger its usage. “If you turn off what's not required, you're going to save. But once you start really looking at [the feedback] you can start comparing.”
How are energy meters installed?
Typical installation takes one day; the energy meter is 6"x8".
What has been the trend in energy meter installation, in schools and elsewhere? What is driving this trend, in your opinion?
“The trend is not just in schools but everywhere – any where someone is trying to save energy. With the utility companies raising their rates, people are becoming more aware – not because they care about saving energy in a lot of cases, but because they are trying to save dollars...You start saving energy and being proactive, and it will help a lot in controlling your energy bills, and...lowering the CO2 output, so that everyone can have a better environment to live in.”
