Reducing emissions through new approaches in municipal energy management - Reducing greenhouse gas and other pollutant emissions through...

Significant cost and energy savings can be achieved in the management of public buildings through the implementation of consistent energy management. Despite the increasing efforts of municipal administrations in recent years, there are still considerable deficits in this area in terms of utilising the existing economic and ecological potential.
This study analysed the extent to which the use of new information and communication technologies can contribute to tapping the potential that exists in municipal energy management (MEM). The focus of the study was primarily on telematics applications, such as networked computer systems, building management systems for remote monitoring and control of energy systems and automated data transmission systems.

As part of the study, the activities of over 90 German municipalities were analysed. At the heart of the study were exemplary case studies of the practical implementation of energy management in seven municipalities. The empirical basis of the survey was formed by interviews with over 50 KEM stakeholders in Germany and a written survey of 44 municipalities.
The focus of the investigations was on three levels:

• Organisational structures and financing instruments
• Technical instruments focussing on the implementation of telematic applications
• Psycho-social factors and communicative processes, possibilities for involving users and stakeholders

This report identifies obstacles and success factors for municipal energy management in general and the use of telematics in particular. The potentials of telematic applications in KEM are shown. Technical and organisational requirements that are necessary to exploit this potential are identified. Two basic strategic approaches in municipal energy management with different telematic applications are characterised. Options for optimising both strategies are developed. The systematic recording and evaluation of energy consumption and other energy-relevant data is a key factor for the long-term success of municipal energy management. A solid database is necessary to establish strategic concepts for efficient building management and modernisation planning. The use of telematics enables energy-relevant data to be collected, analysed, forwarded and managed quickly and efficiently. In the energy management of public properties, telematics applications can open up considerable potential for saving energy and reducing costs. At the same time, telematics applications have comparatively short amortisation periods. They therefore increase municipal room for manoeuvre in building management and can make an important contribution to making municipal energy management more effective.