Step 4: Create an action plan to improve
Improvement strategies
For commercial buildings: Use the Building Upgrade Manual
Identify the steps necessary for upgrading and moving facilities from current performance to the desired level of performance as defined by the goals. EPA recommends a systematic approach to building upgrades.
- Go to the Building Upgrade Manual
For industrial plants: Use the Industrial Energy Management Information Center
Find industry-specific information about how to reduce energy use in an industrial plant.
- Go to EPA’s Industrial Energy Management Information Center
Financing strategies
Evaluate investment opportunities
Help your client analyze potential investments based on their expected cash flow.
- Read through Chapter 3: Investment Analysis chapter in the ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual.
Strategies and incentives to finance energy efficiency projects
Overcome objections, explore financing options and assistance, and calculate the “cost of delay.”
ENERGY STAR financial calculators
Use one, or all three, of EPA’s financial calculators to estimate savings, the financial impact of proposed improvements, or the market value of increased earnings that can result from an energy efficiency project.
- Use EPA’s financial calculators to calculate returns on energy efficiency investments.
Further reading:
- ENERGY STAR Guidelines for Energy Management, Step 4: Create Action Plan
- Existing Buildings: Save energy
- Industrial Plants: Facility management