Overview: The 5 Simple Savers, available in both Industrial and Commercial versions, provide a quick guide for identifying practical energy-saving strategies.

Reasoning: At the end of the day, SEM programs exist to deliver energy savings. Achieving savings requires finding opportunities, and the 5 Simple Savers provides an accessible, clear guide to get participants rolling. We developed the Industrial version first, then modified it slightly for Commercial SEM given the differences between the two sectors.

Guidance/Application: The 5 Simple Savers is designed to serve as a foundational element for an SEM program as it provides the lens for identifying energy savings projects. We introduce the 5 Simple Savers early in our Workshop curriculum and include a training on the Simple Savers at Treasure Hunt events. We encourage participants to train their employees on the Simple Savers to help achieve the goal of organization-wide involvement in their energy management initiative.* The Savers are available for display as posters — both large (24”x36”) and small (11”x17”) — as well as in digital format for use in slide presentations for trainings, via email distribution, and/or display on monitors (e.g., in break rooms).

* Pro Tip – Hard to find the time to pull everyone into a training on all the 5 Simple Savers? Consider using Daily Shift Meetings and take just a couple minutes to introduce one Saver at a time and roll out the training over a week or several weeks.

Below is a brief explanation of each of the 5 Simple Savers for both Industrial and Commercial SEM.

Industrial SEM 5 Simple Savers

• “Turn it Off” – Equipment and systems that are not adding value to your process should be turned off. Process lulls, breaks, end of day, weekends, and/or other shutdown periods are opportunities to save!
• “Cut Production Waste” – Production waste comes in a lot of forms – from product loss during processing, to rework, overprocessing, excess motion, and unnecessary conveyance. Reducing waste and improving production processes increases energy efficiency and production goals.
• “Fix & Tune” – Equipment operates most efficiently when all components are working and properly tuned. Routine preventative maintenance can help them continue operating at or near peak efficiency and ensure reliability, minimizing disruption to production processes. When things are broken (e.g., outside air dampers) other parts of the system might have to work extra hard and may not be able to perform their desired functions.
• “Repair Leaks” – Leaks are, by definition, waste! Compressed air leaks are notorious sources of energy waste, but this Simple Saver also applies to other gases (e.g., Nitrogen), steam, thermal leaks from heated or cooled spaces, and leaks in vacuum systems.
• “Optimize Controls” – A major factor in how efficiently a system operates is how its controls are set up. Can equipment schedules be adjusted to only work when needed? Can fan speeds be slowed to have them operate in peak of their efficiency curves? Can setpoints be adjusted (e.g., Can compressed air be changed from 120 PSI to 110 or lower?)?

Commercial SEM 5 Simple Savers

• Turn It Off – Appliances and equipment not being used should be turned off.
• Set it Back – Reduce temperature, pressure, and flow settings when spaces are unoccupied.
• Fix & Tune – Equipment operates most efficiently when all components are working and properly tuned. Routine preventative maintenance can help them continue operating at or near peak efficiency and ensure reliability. When things are broken (e.g., outside air dampers) other parts of the system might have to work extra hard and may not be able to perform their desired functions.
• Seal Leaks – Air infiltration wastes significant energy. Fix door seals and close windows when HVAC is on.
• Choose High Efficiency – Enable energy efficient operation on equipment. Use Energy Star rated appliances and devices.
  1. Note: “Cut Production Waste” was replaced with “Choose High Efficiency.” While a case can be made that Choose High Efficiency involves capital expenditure (which is beyond the scope of most current SEM programs), in commercial settings there is a higher usage of personal devices like space heaters and mini refrigerators, that are often operated in inefficient modes.