Strategic Energy Management (SEM) is a powerful program for organizations looking to reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and meet sustainability goals. At TRC, SEM is more than just a service—it’s a partnership that empowers clients to take control of their energy use through education, coaching and actionable strategies. To explore the impact of SEM, Marti Mendenhall, a Senior SEM Trainer and energy coach at TRC, shares her insights on how SEM is transforming energy management for commercial, multifamily and industrial clients.
Q: What is Strategic Energy Management (SEM)?
A: SEM is all about empowering organizations to take control of their energy use through education, benchmarking and practical strategies. It’s a holistic approach that blends technical improvements with changes in daily habits and operations. For example, we conduct energy audits—what we call “treasure hunts”—to identify low-cost or no-cost improvements, like adjusting HVAC set points, sealing air leaks, or switching to LEDs. But the real key is education. We teach SEM participants how to spot inefficiencies, recognize energy patterns and make changes that last. It’s not just about saving energy. It’s about building the internal know-how and habits that turn energy management into a part of everyday culture.
Q: What is the ideal facility or customer type that benefits from SEM?
A: SEM is incredibly versatile, but it tends to be a great fit for commercial sites like K-12 schools, hospitals, hotels, universities, retail, supermarkets and industrial sites – anywhere with large systems and lots of people involved. I coach a hospital with 41 buildings, and we’ve seen real savings by combining technical changes with hands-on staff training.
Industrial facilities also benefit from SEM, particularly those with energy-intensive processes, compressed air, refrigeration, or extended operating hours. Engaging operators and maintenance staff to optimize schedules, setpoints and processes can uncover substantial savings.
Multifamily buildings are also a strong fit, particularly those with 100 or more units. The biggest opportunity there is helping residents understand how their choices affect energy use. When you combine that with optimizing the common areas and systems, you can see some real impact.
Q: What SEM upgrades have the greatest return?
A: Lighting is often one of the easiest wins. Switching to LEDs delivers quick savings, and a lot of our participants are already well on their way there. We also see a big impact from low-cost HVAC adjustments, such as tightening temperature set points and eliminating simultaneous heating and cooling. Regular maintenance goes a long way, too: cleaning fan coils, checking schedules and tuning things up. On average, first-year SEM participants save 5 to 10% on their energy bills, often with minimal investment in energy upgrades.
Q: With increasing energy costs, how can SEM help with energy affordability?
A: Rising energy costs are a major concern, especially in areas like Oregon and Washington, where we’ve seen some significant rate increases. SEM helps organizations get a handle on rising energy costs by reducing waste and using energy more efficiently. It’s about helping teams understand what’s driving their use and finding simple ways to lower it. For schools and hospitals, even a 5% savings can make a real difference in tight budgets. SEM also supports organizations as they prepare for new, state-wide building performance standards, so they’re not just avoiding penalties, they’re actually improving operations and reducing waste at the same time.
Q: What challenges do you see currently in our industry?
A: Staffing is the biggest challenge right now. A lot of organizations are short on maintenance staff, which makes it tough to keep up with day-to-day needs, let alone take on new energy projects. Aging buildings and limited budgets are also major hurdles. For example, hotels in Portland are trying to do more with less due to low occupancy rates. When energy teams are stretched thin, it’s hard to prioritize energy efficiency without some outside help and coaching.
Q: How is SEM helping to get past these obstacles?
A: SEM meets clients where they are. If they don’t have an energy policy or sustainability program, we help them build that foundation. A big part of our work is training staff so they can run with it, whether that’s a building automation system (BAS) review or teaching them to spot energy waste. The ultimate goal is to create a strong self-sustaining program that continues to deliver savings year over year.
Q: What gets you excited about working in SEM and the energy industry?
A: What I love about SEM is that it’s people-driven. It’s not just about equipment or systems. It’s about empowering people to make a difference. When a team sees the impact of their efforts, it builds momentum. I’ve seen how bringing everyone into the conversation – from executives to maintenance staff – can shift an organization to an energy-saving mindset. That kind of culture change is where the lasting impact happens, and it’s really rewarding to be a part of that.
Next Steps: TRC Can Help
Strategic Energy Management is more than a service. It’s a collaborative process that empowers organizations to take control of their energy use and achieve meaningful savings. At TRC, we specialize in designing and administering SEM programs that deliver results for commercial, multifamily, and industrial clients. Whether it’s schools, hospitals, or multifamily properties, our expertise ensures that every client has the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.
Ready to reduce costs and improve efficiency through strategic energy management? Contact TRC today to learn more about our SEM solutions for utilities, agencies and commercial and governmental customers.
