Technology Recommendations

Energy saving technologies are a core enabler for reducing energy demand. In this Section, we briefly discuss NHI's proven three-step process for developing fact-based technology recommendations:

• Conducting a comprehensive current state assessment
• Defining "stretch" energy reduction targets based on the current state assessment and on energy usage benchmarks of similar facilities and/or processes, and
• Identifying the energy-efficient technologies that can achieve the "stretch" targets.

Step 1: Conducting a Comprehensive Current State Assessment

During the initial project assignment, NHI consultants conduct a series of internal end-user interviews and workshops to understand the current-state energy usage and the internal energy-related business processes and practices. We also perform extensive facility walk-throughs, physical inspections, and analysis of utility usage.

Step 2: Defining "Stretch" Targets

The second step is defining "stretch" energy reduction targets based on the findings of the current state assessment and on the energy usage benchmarks of similar facilities and/or processes. During this second step, the gaps between current-state and future-state are uncovered and energy-related improvement areas are identified and prioritized.

Step 3: Identifying the Energy-Efficient Technologies That Can Achieve the "Stretch" Targets

The third step is developing detailed technology product recommendations that can achieve the energy reduction "stretch" targets. Usually, NHI's client assignments typically involve identifying, selecting, and deploying one or more types of energy efficient products and designing and implementing the optimal control strategies.

Two important aspects of our process for developing technology recommendaitons differentiate NHI from its competitors.

• NHI does not recommend generic or "cookie cutter" solutions. NHI's technology recommendations are customized for each client based on their unique business situation. We make this claim because at NHI, we understand and work with all kinds of energy-efficient technologies and we work jointly with our clients to reach and agree on the best technical direction for moving forward. We also have a large ongoing research effort that keeps us on top of new energy-efficient products from around the world. Please see our Global Sourcing Network for more information about manufacturers of energy-related products.
  
  
• NHI's product recommendations are unbiased and independent. NHI is not a distributor or reseller of energy efficient products, so our technology recommendations will never be influenced by sales commissions or other incentives from technology vendors. You can be sure that NHI's product recommendations are objective, impartial, and truly fit your business requirements. We never “push” vendors’ products.