Corporate Protocols for Capital Investment: Implications for Energy Efficiency

摘要

Industrial energy efficiency potential relies to a large extent on capital investment in new, efficient technologies. While energy decisions may accrue largely to the boiler room, investment decisions do not. The challenge for energy efficiency proponents is to understand the organizational dynamics of capital investment in the industrial sector. A better understanding of the protocols and stakeholders will allow more effective energy program engagement. The issue is driven as much by communication as it is technical feasibility. Energy programs that wish to achieve greater implementation of energy efficiency will need to adopt a language, tactics, and metrics that are meaningful to the corporate managers who drive capital investment decisions. A 2012 survey of industrial sector managers, program administrators, and market facilitators provides an overview of capital decision making as it is currently practiced by industry. The raw survey results describe the hurdles and current best practices for advancing energy-related investments. This information helps program administrators to recognize and navigate prevailing capital investment practices, and in addition reveals ideas for evolving beyond the present program paradigm.