Cutting Energy Use in Existing Assets

Maximizing energy usage in existing stores was among the issues highlighted in

“Up to 60% of these factors can be corrected remotely,” Nark said. “And the remainder require active maintenance dispatch.”

Nark told attendees that chains can make a commitment to the environment by focusing on existing stores and adopting sustainable energy-conservation practices. The greatest opportunity, he added, lies in optimizing the energy-related assets already in place.

West Marine: Joe Stern, facilities manager, West Marine, Watsonville, Calif., discussed how the boating supplies and accessories chain has integrated sustainability into its operations.

West Marine’s short-term goals include a 10% reduction in utility consumption in 2008. To achieve this, the company has implemented a number of measures, including the utilization of high-efficiency HVAC replacements and low-impact fixtures and equipment, and employee training. It also identified its worst-performing stores via an energy-efficiency profile.

Stern said that Prenova provides a number of energy-management-related services to West Marine, including utility-bill payment and audit and price-risk management. It also provides proactive diagnosis and real-time remediation of problems that may pop up.

West Marine’s conservation efforts are paying off, according to Stern.

“Our stores and support centers are operating at a lower cost with less impact on the environment,” he said.