Resource Conservation Management

The WSU Energy Program promotes and supports energy efficiency at public and government facilities through the Resource Conservation Manager (RCM) program.

Resource conservation management is a coordinated effort to manage the resources and services used, and waste generated, by public facilities to reduce operating costs, increase efficiency, lower carbon pollution, and promote environmentally friendly operations. This involves carefully tracking resources and improving and maintaining operational efficiency while enhancing occupant comfort and overall cost-effectiveness.

We provide technical assistance, targeted information, networking, and a monthly newsletter with events, information, and opportunities to support RCM programs. Most RCM programs achieve up to 10 percent savings on utility bills after the first year, depending on the number of facilities involved and level of management commitment.

RCM strategies have been used in industry and organizations for many years. Learn more: RCM Benefits, RCM Role, RCM Profiles, and RCM Publications.

This project is supported by Grant No. DE-EE0008296 awarded by US Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Office. Points of view in the documents and webinars are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the US Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Office. Grant funds are administered by the Washington State Energy Office, Washington State Department of Commerce.

Support for RCMs – RCM Exchange

RCM Exchange (RCMx) is an online guidebook that provides insights about building, implementing, and sustaining a successful RCM program.

Past RCM Programs

Shared RCM Program for Local Governments

In cooperation with the Washington State Department of Commerce, we supported the creation and implementation of shared RCM programs for local governments in Washington state. Shared RCM program webpage

Resource Efficiency Managers – Federal Sector

REMs are contracted by federal agencies to reduce energy use and resource costs at their facilities. Between 1997 and 2006, we provided support for the REM program with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). 

While only occasional WSU Energy Program projects currently involve REMs, we provide REM publications and links here because they offer value to REMs and those interested in contracting an REM for their facility. REM Resources

This project was funded in whole or in part by funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Energy Policy Division of the Washington State Department of Commerce under Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant No.DE-EE0000849

Our Staff

Karen Janowitz

Karen Janowitz is a program coordinator at the WSU Energy Program. She has over 20 years of experience in project leadership and management; implementing, marketing, and managing energy efficiency and environmental programs; group facilitation; environmental education; communications; and administration. Janowitz holds a B.A. in geology from the University of Colorado and a Master of Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College.