What is Corporate Energy Management (CEM)?
The term “CEM” has come to refer to sets of actions that move accountability for energy outcomes to upper levels of the firm. Many view it as relocating energy decision-making from the boiler room to the boardroom. Under CEM regimes, energy is no longer the sole responsibility of plant managers and engineers; in fact, CEM programs are designed to involve many areas of business activity, such as accounting, marketing, and others that were not traditionally concerned with energy. A successful CEM program typically includes the following: • Commitment by upper level management • Clearly stated goals on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability • Communication of goals, tactics, and achievements throughout the firm • Delegation of responsibility and accountability to the appropriate personnel • Sustained tracking and assessment of energy use • Continuous investigation of potential energy reduction projects • Application of business investment models to energy projects • Establ
