Project-level investment decisions take account of many factors, rarely tackling one issue in isolation. Company decisions are based on its strategic priorities and values, an assessment of the risks involved, and anticipated benefits (e.g. increased productivity, regulatory compliance, reduced maintenance, greater reliability, improved workforce satisfaction and retention).
In contrast, energy efficiency experts traditionally present the rationale for investment as a single-issue problem. The arguments are focused on energy ‘payback’ – the length of time a capital investment takes to pay for itself through reduced energy costs. However, energy payback is not a strategic goal. As a result, these proposals are often missed or ignored because they are not prioritised by investment committees.
How businesses and professionals benefit:
- Identify and quantify how multiple benefits analysis benefits operations, strategy, finance, energy, human resources, etc
- Apply and practice training and lessons learned through Serious Gaming
- Deploy analytical methods and tools in work flows to identify strategic impacts of energy saving actions
- Bolster investment proposals by drawing on communications resources and a growing evidence base
From 2018-2021, project partners have developed a training platform. They have also created tools and worked directly with organisations to analyse and propose energy-saving projects, while evaluating the operational and strategic impacts. In parallel, Multiple Benefits partners have compiled an evidence base of case studies, project examples and results to bolster the business case for projects. This evidence based has been published on the multiple benefits project website.
