Strategic Energy Management at Sabin
Strategic Energy Management (SEM) is a program that helps organizations and companies improve their energy efficiency and lower their overall energy use. The primary goals are to reduce utility costs for our residents and lower our organization’s overall environmental impact, keeping the surrounding community in mind. Efforts include physical building upgrades and resident and employee education and engagement.
Currently, our five largest properties are enrolled in the SEM program, in partnership with the Energy Trust of Oregon. We hope to expand the program in the future to cover all properties! A current energy improvement project we are working on is installing new heating systems called Ductless Heat Pumps.
SEM also encourages conserving energy through individual habits of Sabin residents and employees. Things like putting your computer in power-saving mode, unplugging appliances when not in use, using thick curtains, and reporting issues such as faulty door or window seals to maintenance are small changes that can really make a difference. Energy is something we use all the time, and small savings add up fast. About 30% of the average business’ energy is wasted, according to the US Department of Energy. Wasted energy is wasted money, so let’s work together to maximize our savings.