CSRwire Talkback

By Ashley Halligan, Analyst, Software Advice

In a market where both residential and commercial consumers are giving recognition to their carbon footprint and taking control of their consumption, energy suppliers, technology companies, and even the government is getting involved -- making consumption data more accessible, creating initiatives that make these partnerships more feasible, and creating systems and technology to simplify and gauge behaviors and performance. 

As a result, a slew of new technologies are being released into the market, allowing consumers real access to their consumption patterns, helping to identify deficiencies in operations and even suggesting upgrades where deficiencies may be occurring.

Encouragingly, these applications don't have to be a costly investment. In fact, some are quite affordable -- or even better -- free. Here are three applications that are trending in the energy management market that any organization can afford. 

Measuring Air Quality, Auditing Energy

1. ASHRAE--HVAC ASHRAE 62.1-2010

This iTunes-available app measures a commercial building's air quality to ensure it’s within indoor air quality (IAQ) and minimum ventilation standards as determined by ASHRAE, which is the nation's leading metric for air quality. The measurements provided by the app also ensure that a user is within the parameters to gain the air quality LEED credit. 

2. ecoInsight's Mobile Audit for iPad

This free app is an energy audit tool that collects data while a building operator performs a walk, then suggests efficiency upgrades once the data has been uploaded to ecoInsight's online tool.  

3. Melon Power

This app won second place in the EPA's Apps for Energy Contest. Essentially, it performs the tasks of a contractor by determining an ENERGY STAR score. The app costs $500 per building and works by inputting 12-month consumption data supplied by energy companies offering the Green Building option.

These applications demonstrate that companies don't need to make hefty investments to moderate their consumption. These are great beginning tools to consider before investing in integrated suites offering a full spread of features such as the above. 

For more information about these applications, read the Software Advice blog.