SMARTER ENERGY STRATEGIES START WITH MEASUREMENT: THE RADIX APPROACH TO EFFICIENCY
- Carla Medina
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
By Natalia Klafke, EVP, Energy & Sustainability at Radix
Energy is no longer just a utility bill; for businesses, it is a strategic lever. Energy performance now directly affects cost competitiveness, regulatory compliance, investor perception, and brand equity for operators of extensive facilities or distributed networks.
At Radix, more innovative energy strategies start not with infrastructure upgrades or ESG targets, but with real-time, data-rich measurement.
As energy volatility, decarbonisation pressures, and electrification reshape operations in the US, South America, and Europe, organisations must evolve beyond spreadsheets and retrospective utility bills. This shift demands Smart Energy Management Systems (SEMS) that deliver live data, operational insights, and AI-driven optimisation across an enterprise’s energy footprint.
Real-Time Industrial Intelligence
Radix helps clients transition from lagging, traditional energy indicators to SEMS that blend sensors, IoT platforms, and advanced analytics to create a digital energy twin of their operations.
According to the US Department of Energy, SEMS can cut commercial energy use by up to 20% annually, depending on the sector and implementation strategy (DOE, 2023). In our logistics and education sector deployments, we’ve achieved even more aggressive savings by identifying real-time inefficiencies—such as wasteful HVAC behavior, compressed air leaks, and unmanaged lighting—then automating the fixes.
Case in Point: Massive Savings for Universities
The world is facing an urgent crisis to limit the runaway global warming and must reach net-zero emissions by 2050. But what is less realised is that of the energy consumed by facilities in the US, 68% of the energy is wasted. In comparison, buildings across the facilities are responsible for 80% of the energy consumption.
Research buildings or competency centers, which are usually located inside sprawling facilities, and legacy engineering practices for ventilation, heating, and cooling, are also responsible for these runaway emission trends.
Radix recently worked with the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, one of the top public research universities in the United States. With over 7.6 million square feet of diverse facilities and a growing student population of approximately 32,000, managing energy efficiency is crucial for this institution. By working with Radix to optimize technology, enhance visibility over energy usage, implement efficient systems for consumption reduction, and establish an Energy Command Center for real-time decision-making, the university achieved approximately $900,000 in annual operating cost savings through optimized equipment use.
Measurement Enables Action
Why does measurement matter so much? Because you can’t optimise what you can’t see. SEMS transforms opaque energy flows into operational intelligence. Core capabilities include:
Granular, equipment-level monitoring
Predictive maintenance using anomaly detection
Automated controls for HVAC, chillers, lighting, and other high-load systems
Integration with ERP and BAS/MES platforms
Customisable sustainability reporting aligned to ISO 50001 and GHG Protocol
Research shows that digital transformation in the energy sector can yield 10–30% cost improvements and 2–10% yield gains when deployed at scale. Embed SEMS into workflows for one of the fastest ways to unlock this value. Never bolt these systems on as an afterthought.
From Pilot to Platform: The Radix Deployment Model
At Radix, we avoid “pilot purgatory.” Our energy transformations start with a clear business case, engage operations and maintenance teams early, and focus on measurable ROI within the first 90 days. Our stepwise deployment approach includes:
Digital Energy Audit
Identifies baseline consumption, peak demand issues, and data gaps.
IoT Infrastructure Deployment
Installs non-invasive sensors and smart meters.
Platform Integration & Visualisation
Connects SEMS to existing ERP, BAS, or facility management platforms.
AI Optimisation Engine
Learns usage patterns and dynamically adjusts system performance.
Sustainability and Compliance Reporting
Automates ESG reporting, energy benchmarking, and carbon tracking.
This structured method means we’re not just installing tech—we’re reshaping energy as a strategic asset, delivering results that scale from a single site to a global portfolio.
Energy Is Now a Brand Issue
Regulators are pushing for stricter carbon disclosures (see SEC’s proposed climate rules in the US and CSRD in Europe). But pressure isn’t just regulatory—it’s reputational. Stakeholders expect evidence of real decarbonisation, not greenwashing.
With real-time energy data, our clients can demonstrate to investors, customers, and regulators not only that they are reducing consumption and emissions, but also how they are doing so. Energy transparency fosters trust, and trust in turn enhances brand value.
The Bottom Line
A more effective energy strategy begins with real-time visibility, which means measurement. At Radix, we help industrial companies, logistics networks, campuses, and distributed facilities take control of their energy data, turn insights into action, and unlock both cost savings and climate value.
The energy transition isn’t just about renewables. It’s about efficiency, agility, and intelligence. If your energy strategy isn’t digital, it’s already outdated.
About the Author
Natalia Klafke is Executive Vice President for Energy & Sustainability at Radix. With over 15 years of experience leading energy transformations across Latin America and North America, she helps organisations utilise data and technology to meet net-zero goals while enhancing performance.
Key Takeaways:
Real-time energy measurement is the foundation for achieving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and controlling emissions.
Radix SEMS projects have reduced electricity use by 20% or more and increased renewable energy utilization by over 30%.
Energy performance is a strategic asset—one that influences not only cost but brand, regulation, and trust.
About Radix
Founded in 2010, Radix is a privately held technology solutions and services company operating globally, empowering customers with consulting, engineering, operations technology, and digital solutions. Radix combines key capabilities and practices to enable our worldwide customers to thrive in their digital journey. With North American headquarters in Houston, TX, and global headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including offices in São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, Radix provides technology-based, data-driven solutions to asset-intensive industries. Radix's robust capabilities extend to more than 30 countries worldwide. Learn more: www.radixeng.com
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