Superior Energy Performance Fact Sheet
Superior Energy Performancecm: Recognizing Excellence in Energy Management
Superior Energy Performance, expected to launch in spring of 2012, is a voluntary ANSI/ANAB-accredited certification program that provides industrial and commercial facilities with a roadmap to achieve continuous improvement in energy performance while maintaining competitiveness. Superior Energy Performance certification requires independent verification of two requirements:
- Conformance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 50001 Energy Management Standard, and
- Achieved, measured, and audited energy performance improvement
To support Superior Energy Performance as a trusted and respected facility certification program, the following program elements have been developed to help facilities identify opportunities for energy efficiency, as well as ensure that the necessary management structure and policies are in place to successfully achieve energy efficiency improvements:
- ISO 50000 Energy Management Standard: The facility’s energy management system must conform with ISO 50001 to qualify for Superior Energy Performance certification. ISO 50001 provides a framework for individual facilities or entire companies to manage energy, including all aspects of procurement and use.
- ASME System Assessment Standards: This series of standards, developed in collaboration with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, provides guidance on conducting energy efficiency assessments for specific industrial systems. The initial four systems for which standards were developed are pumping, compressed air, steam, and process heating systems. This portfolio of system assessment standards is expected to expand to include additional system types.
- Measurement and Verification (M&V) Protocol: The Superior Energy Performance M&V Protocol will define a best practice methodology to 1) verify the results and impacts from implementing the energy management standard, 2) track the change in energy performance over time at the facility, and 3) document energy performance normalized to production. The M&V Protocol for industry will be separate from the M&V Protocol for commercial buildings.
- ANSI-Accredited Certified Practitioners: Certified Practitioners will provide direct assistance to applicants to identify energy efficiency opportunities in various types of industrial systems and to implement ISO 50001 and additional Superior Energy Performance requirements.
- End-User Awareness Training: Trainings will feature brief overviews of the program elements through end-user awareness training modules that are offered as a stand-alone educational tool (via the internet) or integrated with more comprehensive training.
- Best Practice Scorecard: Facilities that have implemented prior energy efficiency improvements can achieve certification via the Mature Energy Pathway. The Best Practice
Scorecard offers credits for energy management system activities, processes or procedures that are “above and beyond” what is required by ISO 50001.
SEP in Action: Demonstrated Results
Over the course of 2008 through 2010, a diverse group of facilities field tested Superior Energy Performance in four Texas pilot demonstrations to ensure 1) practical and achievable certification criteria; 2) added value to program participants; and 3) an accurately identified target market. Since then, three of the four Texas facilities achieved certification and a fourth is in progress. Subsequently, additional demonstrations have been initiated in across the country.
U.S. Council for Energy-Efficiency Manufacturing (CEEM)
The U.S. Department of Energy partnered with the U.S. Council for Energy-Efficient Manufacturing (U.S. CEEM) to develop the Superior Energy Performance program. This partnership is a cooperative effort that leverages the respective strengths of both the public and private sectors, and is complemented by a network of standards-making bodies, national laboratories, universities, and technical experts.
U.S. CEEM is a voluntary coalition assembled to help U.S. industry achieve global leadership in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. U.S. CEEM seeks to increase the effectiveness of existing industrial energy efficiency programs and encourage participation by industrial companies in such programs. U.S. CEEM will identify gaps in existing programs and then identify or develop resources and initiatives to close those gaps.
The Alliance to Save Energy in partnership with the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy is providing support to U.S. CEEM as it transitions from an industry advisory group to an independent, industry-led organization. The Alliance will continue to assist in the development of an organizational charter, outreach materials and the generation of technical, programmatic and policy resources that will enable greater energy efficiency in the industrial sector.
U.S. CEEM Committee Partners
Alcoa, 3M Company, Dow Chemical, Eastman Chemical, Ford Motor Company, HP, Huntsman Chemical, LyondellBasell, Owens Corning, PPG Industries, SSAB, Toyota, Weyerhaeuser, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce, American National Standards, Institute Texas Industries of the Future
