We live in a resource-constrained world, and in no area is this more evident than with regard to our energy systems. Reliance on traditional sources of energy has created an unhealthy environment that is assaulting the social, physical and mental well-being of millions across the world. Despite major investments in renewable energy over the last decade, fossil fuel consumption continues to increase. And this traditional source of energy is frequently unreliable. In the event of a storm or other natural disaster, this unreliability is a key issue: long-term outages threaten business productivity, hurt the economy and leave many without basic access to water or sanitation.
At this point in time, it is critical that we address the reliability and efficiency of our energy systems so that we can continue to grow in a way that is sustainable and resilient. With the goal of creating resilient and sustainable energy delivery systems in mind, GBCI has developed a clear vision. We asked ourselves, how could we ensure speed to market transformation in the energy sector? Our answer is PEER.
The first rating system to measure and improve power system performance, PEER provides energy professionals with an understanding of how to define, assess and specify sustainable power to buildings. PEER sets and measures performance across four outcome categories: reliability and resiliency, energy efficiency and environment, operational effectiveness and customer contribution. To ensure reliability, resiliency, power quality and energy efficiency, PEER leverages a microgrid platform. This platform divides the electricity system into a network of microgrids—at the city, campus and supply levels—and provides for local representation and participation of customers and the private sector.
PEER assesses the electricity being delivered to a customer and provides a rating that quantifies the electricity. Empowered with this information, customers can procure a mix of generation sources, install cleaner local generation or reshape their load profile to improve the efficiency and environmental performance of their electricity supply.
PEER also provides operators with a framework for assessing power system performance while benchmarking to industry standards. Projects use PEER as a continuous improvement tool to maximize on returns and minimize risks and to provide responsible and cost-effective electricity to serve as a competitive advantage, attract new customers and help keep existing customers satisfied.
Modeled after LEED, PEER complements and builds upon existing green building rating systems by defining what is to deliver energy to buildings. While green building standards evaluate a single building, PEER evaluates the facility and the power that goes into it throughout the entire process, from generation to transmission to distribution. This is the first time all of these elements have been brought together under a comprehensive rating system.
PEER focuses on the triple bottom line (people, planet and profit) by incorporating a unique approach of value/gap analysis into the process. This value/gap analysis places a monetary value on your energy system’s performance and then quantifies the gap in performance. This revolutionary approach helps make the business case for improvements or shows your investors that you are not wasting their money. And your PEER score directly correlates with your value/gap performance, so if a system is not saving money, it cannot be PEER-certified. This value/gap performance is truly a game-changing tool. It allows for transparency and accountability by showing you the value of your system.
PEER is poised to transform the market by stimulating innovation and continually raising the bar on what we can expect from our energy systems—and by extension, strengthening our planet and its people. Delivering clean and reliable energy is now within our reach.
One project a time, we can change the world. Cleaner generation and distribution of power can transform our buildings, communities and cities in a much larger way than ever before. Speed to market transformation for our power system—that will be our legacy. And PEER is our tool to achieve that. Join us.