The top energy management news from last week . . .
12.04.2009 - Energy Management Has Tax Advantages in Philly
Philadelphia has become the first city in the nation to provide a pilot tax incentive for certified sustainable businesses, according to True/Slant, and more cities may follow. [read more]
12.03.2009 - Kohl's Aims for Carbon Neutrality by Close of 2010
Kohl's Department Stores has set its sights for its U.S. stores, distribution centers and corporate offices to operate with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the close of 2010. [read more]
12.03.2009 - EPA Lauds Coors, Kodak, Gap, 5 Others for GHG Reductions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing eight companies for meeting their long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals as part of the EPA's Climate Leaders program. [read more]
12.02.2009 - DOE Launches Save Energy Now LEADER Program with 32 Companies
DOE has begun the Save Energy Now LEADER Program, with 32 U.S. industrial firms signing a voluntary pledge to reduce energy intensity by 25% over the next decade. [read more]
12.02.2009 - It's the Off-Grid Data Center
IBM and Syracuse University plan to build a 6,000 square foot data center that runs on gas turbines and cools with waste heat. [read more]
12.01.2009 - Fresh & Easy Uses 32% Less Energy Than Supermarket Average
When compared to energy used at other supermarkets, Fresh & Easy is using about 32 percent less energy per square foot across its 130 locations. [read more]
12.02.2009 - Drowning in Oil: U.S. Refiners Face Tough Road Ahead
There is an oil glut in the United States and the fourth quarter for U.S. refiners will likely be as tough as the last. [read more]
12.01.2009 - U.S. Natural Gas Production Dip Does Little to Dent Glut
Natural gas production in the United States has finally dipped - and the news has come not a moment too soon for energy companies that have grappled with low prices for months. [read more]
11.30.2009 - Three Gallons per Mile
Ever wondered how fuel efficient commercial airlines are? A modern 757 burns about three gallons per mile, meaning it's more efficient than many hybrids. [read more]
11.29.2009 - Study Finds LED Lighting Delivers Substantial Energy Savings
While compact fluorescent light bulbs are more energy-efficient than conventional light bulbs, the real breakthrough is in the next generation of lighting: LED. [read more]
Photo by Tony the Misfit
Recently, while walking through the frozen food section of my local grocery store, I found myself drawn to the pizza case. It's never a good idea to go grocery shopping when you're hungry (and boy was I starving), but since I was already there, I decided to pick up dinner.
This particular store carries several different pizza brands, including its very own. Yet while the store brand was cheaper, I chose a more expensive item. Why?
The national brand's advertising probably had something to do with it, but what really put me off the store brand was the way the product looked. The frost buildup on the package suggested the pizza had thawed and been refrozen. Not very appetizing.
So the store - a well known chain - lost the opportunity to sell a higher margin product due to poor refrigeration management.
Unfortunately, many retailers have this problem - they don't manage refrigeration effectively. The need to keep shelves stocked must be balanced with the need to control energy consumption.
Retailers naturally want to increase sales, so they try to keep freezers full. No one wants to lose a customer because an item is out of stock. But overstocking refrigerated cases can lead to mechanical issues, which often results in spoilage.
For example, a manager may want to increase sales of premium beef, so he increases the number of items on display. The excess merchandise blocks airflow within the unit, which affects the temperature of stocked items. Some are too cold while others are too warm. As a result, the coloration of the meat is inconsistent, making it less attractive to the consumer and reducing sales.
One solution to this problem would be to reduce the amount of product on display, but restock more frequently. Another would be to spread the items into two cases. Either alternative would result in a more attractive display while allowing the refrigeration unit to operate more efficiently.
Photo courtesy of iboy_daniel