Every day more and more companies are recognizing the need to be environmentally conscious not only for humanity, but also for long-term financial success. Topics such as energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, and recycling are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Tremendous opportunities exist for our industry in this arena. Electrical distributors are in a unique position to meet the growing need for energy efficiency and sustainability technologies.
There is an overwhelming amount of information available. NAED is eliminating the guesswork by providing you with an arsenal of resources to identify key opportunities and how to capitalize on them.
ESCO Partnerships: Partnerships with energy service companies (ESCOs) remain a favored recommendation for distributors to
enter and maintain their stake in the energy market. Initially, partnering with
an ESCO seems like a straightforward solution, but there are factors that can
prove more complicated upon closer inspection. To help navigate ESCOs, this
project examines three areas: the status and trajectory of the ESCO industry; NAED
members’ experiences working with ESCOs; and recommendations for future
partnerships. This study is conducted by Vermont Energy Investment
Corporation (VEIC) whose client list includes the U.S. Department of Energy,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning, and
Refrigeration Distributors International). (Published in 2012)
The Smart Grid Opportunity: Long-term increases for energy consumption, and the desire
to most efficiently deliver it, have led to calls for an upgraded or “smarter”
transmission and distribution system. Rather than replacing the existing power
grid, the smart grid concept features products and technologies that are
designed to enhance and expand the distribution of power in a more effective way. Such smart devices can be integrated
into the current system at all levels—power stations, transmission grids,
distribution grids, information systems, and consumers (residential, business,
and industry). This growing market presents an unprecedented opportunity for
the electrical distribution industry to capitalize on the smart grid and its
related fields, including renewable energy sources and electrical vehicle
technology. Learn more on NAED’s SmartGrid Opportunity website and see how your company can make the most of this
trend. (Published in 2011)
Corporate Sustainability:
Internal and external stakeholders are pressing many companies to
develop corporate sustainability plans. Yet, most companies in the
electrical distribution industry have not attempted such initiatives due
to lack of information about how to proceed and the resulting business
benefits of doing so. This study addresses the unique challenges and
opportunities associated with corporate sustainability and outlines the
business case for sustainability planning. (Published in 2009)
Selling Energy Management Solutions:
The construction industry’s interest level for more energy efficient
buildings and alternative sources of energy is growing. This study
defines key segments within energy management solutions where the
largest opportunities exist for the ED channel to serve their customers
and grow revenues. (Published in 2009)
How to Profit from Green Market Opportunities: Looks at the energy market in relation to electrical distribution, promotes an understanding of the energy conservation retrofit market and the technologies that will be most in demand throughout the next five years, and reviews automation systems, controls, lighting, power, low-voltage, etc. (Published in 2008)
Research projects are generously funded by the NAED Education and Research Foundation's Channel Advantage Partnership.