April 9, 2012 - Greenhouse Canada Energy Edge is a multi-media program designed to highlight improvements in the energy performance of the Canadian greenhouse sector. Topics include energy efficiency, renewable energy options and information, incentive programs, procurement, energy management and more.

March 5, 2012 - Organizations from the Pearson Eco-Business Zone, with the guidance of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) Partners in Project Green and 360 Energy, have accepted the challenge to further reduce their energy costs by 5%, which translates to close to $1 million per year.

In this video (courtesy 360 Energy), we learn how St Marys Cement (Bowmanville, Ont.)—the largest cement plant in Canada—has committed to developing and sustaining a culture of organizational energy excellence. The plant began focusing on energy management in 2005, starting what would become a long-term commitment to improvement. In 2006, the site created an integrated energy management team: the Energy Management Conservation Committee.

Two new speakers have been announced for this year’s ENEX Energy Excellence conference. One of the newest additions to the event is David Arkell, President and CEO of 360 Energy. Arkell appeared at the last ENEX event and was one of our highest-rated speakers. 360 Energy is a leading energy services firm that has developed some very innovative programs for the North American market, including its Sustainable Energy Planning, The Energy Coach, and the Certification in Energy Excellence. The certification in energy excellence is of particular interest, as it’s the only certification program of its kind for industrial facilities that certified an industrial facility’s processes, not its products.

At this year’s ENEX event, Arkell will be joined by Jim Storey, Electrical Maintenance Manager for St. Marys Cement, Bowmanville, one of 360 Energy’s clients, for a panel discussion on cost, consumption and conservation – improving your energy management plan. Read more about what the St. Marys team has done to save energy so far here. Storey will share more about his experiences at the show.

Also on the panel will be Peter Rowles of Energy Advantage, one of our regular columnists here at Energy Management.

Check out the conference schedule at www.energyexcellence.ca for more updates in the coming weeks, and be sure to join us May 11-12 in Hamilton, Ontario.

Bowmanville ON — St Marys Cement in Bowmanville is the first North American industrial organization to receive its Certification in Energy Excellence (CEE). St. Marys received a silver level certificate after completing an in-depth, twelve month, third-party energy assessment.

The presentation was made by David Arkell, President of 360 Energy, and Ottawa Orleans MPP Phil McNeely. McNeely is Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Energy & Infrastructure (PA to MEI).

"The Certification in Energy Excellence program was born out of the need for organizations to verify their energy and environmental leadership," remarked Arkell, who oversees the CEE process. "It is not only St. Marys' progress and leadership in energy use reduction that is recognized by certification, but also the company's adoption of strategic goals and initiatives that ensure these reductions continue into the future."

Fabio Garcia, Bowmanville Plant Manager, stated during the ceremony, "Completing the Certification Program is not about filling in forms. It's about demonstrating real results and measurable performance improvements. It's a valuable approach not only for companies in an industrial sector like ours and any organization that aspires to long-term sustainability while maximizing cost control. By engaging in the CEE Program, St. Mary's Cement was able to save $550,000 annually."

Garcia concluded by thanking the representatives of 360 Energy, Mayor Abernethy of Clarington, MPP Phil McNeely and the plant staff for the support they have shown.

The CEE program assesses, mentors, and recognizes an organization's energy management efforts and plans for the future. Organizations often believe they're doing all they can in energy management, and are often surprised by the tremendous room for improvement.  Independent energy assessors conduct an in-depth assessment of the organization's energy performance over the past 3 years. An energy baseline is established, and a trend of improvement demonstrated. Data is verified by the UK based, National Energy Foundation (NEF) which provides an independent, 3rd party evaluation based on rigorous international standards.

MPP McNeely was highly impressed, commenting: "St Marys has demonstrated a commitment to the wise use of energy by securing CEE certification. As an engineer, I appreciate the importance of the CEE program's energy management criteria, and its requirement of progressive improvements in standards to ensure further progress."

360 Energy's Certification in Energy Excellence Program (CEE) identifies leaders in sustainable energy management. Companies who succeed in obtaining the CEE award have demonstrated energy performance improvements over the last 3 years, and have adopted a structure to continue to improve their energy management performance over the next 3 years. The CEE program creates a focus on controlling and reducing energy, which is beneficial for the environment. 

For more information visit www.360energy.net.

Burlington ON — 360 Energy, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), through its Partners in Project Green initiative have partnered to offer the Sustainable Energy Planning Program. Phase 2 is being launched on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.

Burlington ON — 360 Energy Inc. announced on Friday that the Regional Municipality of Peel will be the first North American municipality to receive its Certification in Energy Excellence. After completing the in-depth, twelve month, third-party evaluation, Peel will be receiving a gold level certificate.

In the fall of 2009, St. Marys Cement in Bowmanville was the first North American industrial organization to receive its Certification in Energy Excellence (CEE). St. Marys received a silver level certificate after completing an in-depth, 12 month, third-party energy assessment. The certification was the culmination of three years of work on the company’s energy management program.

The past year has appeared to be a watershed in smart grid development (in some places), green building and clean technology promotion. It’s difficult to say what it will all amount to in another 12 months, but the following three stories are worth keeping a watch on throughout the new year.