In recent years, medium and small companies have been improving their ability to efficiently manage energy.
In the words of Manuel Valero, economist at theSpanish Chamber of Commerce: “Industrial companies are the ones with the greatest margin for savings, although any company, regardless of its sector, can introduce measures that help it save on these expenses.“.
Saving costs on the electricity bill is the main reason why companies promote energy efficiency initiatives. The savings potential that companies have is very great. By modifying certain habits and consumption behaviors, each company could save up to 30% of energy. “The mistake of many SMEs is that they take energy efficiency as something specific, when it should be a process of continuous improvement.“comments Asier Sopelana, professor of environmental management at theEOI.It is important to have a global strategy and a long-term project. They must be involved from top management to the last worker.
Another reason that should prevail when taking these types of measures is to present an environmentally friendly brand. A brand that incorporates environmental sustainability as a business driver. Something increasingly valued by consumers.
Discovering a success story
We found success stories in this regard in experiences in cities, such as in A Coruña promoted by EMALCSA. With the collaboration of Sicasoft,The city has achieved greater efficiency in the use of energy and water resources in the private sector. It has provided municipal officials with the necessary information to evaluate the evolution of greenhouse gas emissions and the water footprint linked to the city's main economic sectors.
Thanks to the toolSicaSoft Low Carbon Cities,more than 200 SMEs in the city have been able to manage, calculate and analyze theirwater footprint, carbon footprint, water-energy consumption ratio, etc…, through powerfuldashboardsin private profiles and compare consumption with other companies within their own sector of activity, thus using them to improve their efficiency and competitiveness.
Citizens, also aware and involved in this process, can consult the information on a public dashboard. That is, the information referring to energy consumption, water andcarbon footprintsand water, and the evolution of its municipalitytowards a low carbon city.