*4.1. Conceptualization of the Artifact*

The artifact delivered by this study is shown at a high level of abstraction in Figure 1. The abstract representation of the process was formalized using BPMN, as expected per the G5 guideline, and detailed in Table 1. The artifact introduced key steps, recommended sources of information regarding each facility, analytical determinants, EEM application areas that featured the most likely cost reduction opportunities as well as the projected timespan of the pilot EEM implementation. On top of that, the minimum number of facilities that ought to be equipped with telemetry was specified, and reference supporting IT solutions were singled out. Thus, the methodology directly addressed RQ1–2.

The pilot itself was designed for deployments in networked retail organizations. Under typical conditions, most dispersed facilities of such organizations do not have the means to diversify energy carriers and are strongly dependent on electricity prices. Regardless of the above, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) hardware had a significant share in their energy balance. Finally, energy consumption, at least partly, resulted from the necessity to operate some devices in a continuous mode (fuel pumps, air curtains). The pilot was generally expected to last 4 months since the telemetry had been deployed in all designated locations. The time required for installation and parametrization of measurement systems was dependent on the type of system used—in our case, the customer was provided with a complete solution to reduce the technological risk of the project. A reference value of two months was required to populate the telemetry database and to collect complementary EE-targeted data from the customer side. After these two months, austerity priorities were set and a test of the implementation of the measures resulting from these priorities was carried out. Further monitoring, adjustment, and a summary of pilot works were expected to last up to 2 months.

**Figure 1.** Reference process of a pilot energy efficiency management (EEM) implementation within a multi-facility organization.



**Step Description** *Deployment of telemetry* Putting the measurement environment in place will not require ceasing the operations of any facility. Short breaks are expected on some retail circuits (HVACR, light sources). The estimated duration of a single installation varies from 2 to 6 h per facility. *Collecting additional data on facilities* In line with telemetry readings, additional data on facilities shall be collected and processed. The sources of knowledge include: • HVACR audits • building/woodwork audits • thermo-vision inspections • events generated as a part of the facility management service • customer-side internal data regarding asset management *IT-powered visualization of energy consumption* Consumption-related data are to be visualized using a dedicated IT solution. Access to reports shall be provided via a web browser. *Launch of Business Intelligence analytics* Power consumption measurements are to be benchmarked against several determinants: • the geographical location of a given facility • weather conditions for this particular location • facility area or volume • schedule of facility operation • energy tariff selected • power capacity contracted **Follow-through upon completing the aforementioned activities Step Description** *Elaborating conclusions & recommendations* A document addressing cost reduction opportunities for the customer shall be delivered. In particular, options to be explored in the following areas of EEM are to be unveiled: • staff activities/staff education • maintenance of systems and devices • condition of buildings and woodwork • energy tariff management • power capacity management *Development and introduction of the primary EEM components* Priority items that may be immediately streamlined in terms of EE are to be pointed out in this phase. Such potential decisions include, but are not limited to, switching tariffs, rehauling or fine-tuning devices, introducing simple automation of devices, forcing certain behaviors of the staff, etc. *Demonstration of pilot implementation results* A physical meeting of the interested parties that summarizes the works accomplished throughout the implementation.

#### **Table 1.** *Cont.*
