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How Long Will It Take?
A full-time Resource Conservation Manager will stay plenty busy for two years in an organization that spends a million dollars per year on utility costs. That level of involvement may decline naturally after the resource accounting system is fully operational, facility audits and reports are completed and facility operating guidelines are instituted. Capital efficiency projects could be scheduled beyond the two-year period.
After three years or so, the Resource Conservation Manager's workload may reduce significantly. By then, the work will consist of data entry and analysis, periodic routine reports, facility surveys, and training/education refreshers. On-going occupant and management feedback is crucial throughout the life of the RCM program, as is recognition for continued or maintained improvements.
Cost
What will it Cost?
The annual salary of a full-time Resource Conservation Manager can range from $50,000-$100,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Experience shows that the salary can be paid for by the first year's savings. By the end of the second year, savings will likely approach two or three times the cost of the RCM program. After that, some level of involvement is needed to maintain savings to continue to free your budget of avoidable resource expenditures.
Additional costs include:
- Resource accounting software - $500-$4000 (depending on your organization's size and complexity)
- Computer and Printer - $2000
- Light meter and miscellaneous tools - $300
- Incentives and recognition
- Staff training
What is Needed to Sustain an RCM Program?
A sustained effort will maintain savings and the viability of the program. At a minimum, a sustained program should include:
- Consistent tracking and analysis of resource consumption and services
- Monitoring energy purchases and facility operations
- Monthly/quarterly monitoring of program components (recycling efforts and facility surveys)
- Promotion and communication of program status (newsletters, bulletin boards, presentations, reports to facility operators and administrators)
- Recognition of efforts (awards, certificates of achievement, acknowledgement in newsletters, etc.)
Without this minimum level of effort the efficiencies gained by the RCM program could soon be lost. Changes in key personnel as well as reorganization or changes in management can also greatly impact an RCM program.
You will find that a successful RCM program will eventually evolve into simply maintaining the savings.
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Funding for this project is provided by
Washington Department of Community Trade and Economic Development
with funds from the US Department of Energy State Energy Program.
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Resource Conservation Management
WSU Extension Energy Program
905 Plum Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504-3165
Phone: (360) 956-2090
Email:
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