Quick Wins Checklist — actions you can try on a single shift

Use this checklist during a short site walk or shift handover. Each item includes a quick validation step and a note on who to involve if a change requires engineering or safety review.

• HVAC setbacks and setpoints
  • Action: Confirm occupied vs. unoccupied setpoints and apply modest setback during unoccupied hours where safe.
  • Validate: Check temperature and runtime changes for the subsequent 24–72 hours.
  • Involve: HVAC technician if controls are locked or alarms are present.
• Schedule lighting to occupancy
  • Action: Switch non-critical lighting zones to occupancy sensors or scheduled off times.
  • Validate: Walk the zone during the scheduled off period to confirm acceptable visibility.
  • Involve: Facilities lead for safety-sensitive areas.
• Eliminate phantom loads
  • Action: Identify always-on devices that can be turned off overnight (kettles, chargers, vending machines not in use).
  • Validate: Use a plug meter or SCADA point if available to confirm reduction in standby draw.
• Optimize process schedules
  • Action: Shift non-time-sensitive batch operations to lower-demand periods when possible.
  • Validate: Compare process energy during the shifted period versus prior baseline normalized for throughput.
  • Involve: Production supervisors for sequence changes.
• Compressed air and steam checks
  • Action: Walk for visible leaks, listen for hissing, close unneeded valves, and tag leaks for repair.
  • Validate: Note pressure and compressor run-time before and after repairs.
  • Involve: Maintenance for repairs and safety permits.
• Fans, pumps, and VFD settings
  • Action: Confirm pumps and fans are not running at full speed unnecessarily; consider modest speed reductions where safe.
  • Validate: Track kW or runtime change; watch process variables for unintended effects.
  li>Involve: Process engineer for critical loops.
• Equipment warm-up and cool-down
  • Action: Reduce unnecessary preheating or pre-cooling windows; align warm-up with production start-ups.
  • Validate: Monitor energy during the ramp period and check product quality.
• Housekeeping and insulation
  • Action: Patch obvious pipe and duct insulation gaps, close garage doors, and keep loading docks sealed when not in use.
  • Validate: Note temperature or pressure drift improvements and reduced runtime for heating/cooling equipment.
• Document and measure
  • Action: For each change, record who made it, the validation method, and when it should be reviewed.
  • Validate: Use the Energy Opportunity Log to store pre/post readings and owner assignments.

Note: Safety and product quality must always take priority. If a change could affect product specifications, patient care, or regulatory compliance, run a Pilot Plan and involve the appropriate subject-matter experts before applying it broadly.