A seemingly endless assault on resource and budget is being faced by companies everywhere. This seems especially acute in the field of energy management. Not only are utility providers increasing their charges, but existing and future government legislation is also problematic, causing organizations to turn to a comprehensive commercial energy audit as they look forward.

A lot of attention is being paid to climate control and global warming and it is becoming more apparent that we will need to decrease our reliance on traditional fuels. The American Clean Energy and Security Act has recently passed through the House of Representatives by a small margin. Should this become law, organizations will need to reduce their reliance on products and procedures that cause greenhouse gas emission. As this legislation progresses, companies are seriously looking at their commercial energy audit options.

Enterprise energy management programs and specialized software solutions are available to help companies that are very reliant on fuel heavy products. These solutions allow the companies to observe, track and modify their processes and equipment. Once a successful commercial energy audit is complete, they can achieve considerable economies of scale, regardless of the type or location of their facilities.

Companies are being prompted to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to increase their use of alternative fuel options. The ACES Act, currently passing through the United States Congress, proposes a sliding scale of conformity over time.

The United States government is proposing a cap and trade system to help companies adapt to new rules. By interacting with other companies a business may conform while still meeting its short to midterm requirements, by trading or buying unused energy. The business that sells an unused allocation would receive an additional financial benefit for being compliant.

The employment of a full-time energy manager cannot be justified by many smaller businesses. As such, they may turn to enterprise energy management programs and software solutions. Operating costs can be reduced and stringent requirements met through the use of these solutions. As part of a commercial energy audit, officials can then understand and keep up with their needs and make sure that they comply with the complex reporting requirements.

A commercial energy audit can identify several options available to a company such as industry grants, loans, incentives, rebates and other funding, for the upgrade or installation of energy efficient equipment. Specialized software also helps the company to consolidate its carbon footprint.

Momentum is gathering in government circles, pointing towards increasingly onerous federal and state requirements. Companies must look at more fuel-efficient equipment and processes and must see whether they can take advantage of alternative fuel sources. More attention will be paid to commercial energy audit options by the company of tomorrow.