Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Energy as a Service

Register Now

Abstract:

Energy as a Service (EaaS) is an innovative business model where organizations outsource their energy needs to a third-party provider, similar to Software as a Service. Customers avoid upfront equipment costs and responsibility for maintenance; instead, the provider installs, operates, and manages the energy systems, assuming performance risks and often financing the project.

EaaS can also include ongoing monitoring, helping identify further energy savings and simplifying sustainability reporting for ESG and GHGI requirements. Customers pay a subscription or usage-based fee for the energy consumed.

While EaaS shares similarities with Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs), key differences exist. Understanding the benefits and challenges of EaaS is essential before deciding if it’s the right choice for your organization.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Define Energy as a Service (EaaS) and how it differs from conventional energy procurement models.
  2. Identify the main features and advantages of the EaaS business model, such as risk transfer, financing options, and continuous energy management.
  3. Compare and contrast EaaS with Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs), highlighting the unique attributes and applications of each approach.
  4. Evaluate the suitability of EaaS for various organizations by assessing its potential benefits and challenges in real-world scenarios.

Date

Dec 02 2025

Time

2:00 pm
Category

Speakers

  • Jim Magee Jim Magee CxA, EMP, LEED AP, MACx Consulting
    Jim Magee
    Jim Magee
    CxA, EMP, LEED AP, MACx Consulting

    Jim is Executive Director of MACx Consulting, LLC in Gilbertsville, Kentucky, a consultancy founded in 2024 solely dedicated to developing and executing practical building systems commissioning processes. A graduate of Fort Knox High School, Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky in Mechanical Engineering. He had 17-years of HVAC Test and Balance experience as an Associated Air Balance Council (AABC) certified Test and Balance Engineer (TBE) prior to 24-years of commissioning practice as an ACG certified Commissioning Authority (CxA) and founder of Kentucky’s first independent third-party building systems commissioning company, Facility Commissioning Group (FCG), serving as CEO and senior project manager for a 423-project career portfolio, transitioning to Principal in 2020. FCG successfully commissioned over 800 projects during Jim’s tenure.

    Jim is a founder and Past President of AABC Commissioning Group (ACG), a charter Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA), and chair of the ACG Building Systems Commissioning Guideline Committee. Jim is Treasurer of the Southeast Region Building Commissioning Association (SERBCA) and member #20 of the Building Commissioning Association (BCA). Jim is a voting member of ASHRAE SSPC 300 – Commissioning, and chairs GPC 1.6P Commissioning for Data Centers subcommittee.

    He is certified by USGBC as a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). Jim is a member of ASTM, NFPA, ASME and the Kentucky Society of Healthcare Engineers (KSHE).

  • Kevin Scarborough Kevin Scarborough P.E., CEM, LEED AP, Siemens
    Kevin Scarborough
    Kevin Scarborough
    P.E., CEM, LEED AP, Siemens

    Kevin Scarborough is currently the Director of Energy Services for the US at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. In this capacity, he leads a team responsible for driving energy efficiency and sustainability projects and services to buildings. He has 17 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry and has worked on many different types of energy conservation projects including chilled water system optimization, HVAC systems, and heating system upgrades. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and is also a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Georgia.

  • Robert J. Knoedler Robert J. Knoedler P.E. CxA EMP
    Robert J. Knoedler
    Robert J. Knoedler
    P.E. CxA EMP

    Robert Knoedler is an executive consultant and vice president at Hanson Professional Services and past president of the Energy Management Association (EMA). He has spent over 40 years as a consultant in mechanical/electrical facility design, commissioning, and energy management. Bob has presented to numerous private and governmental organizations and has published a number of articles related to energy management and commissioning.