Energy management is not only a technical intervention. It requires the correct organisational structure, communication systems, skills, data and financing. These components all need to be summarised in a clear policy statement, namely the municipal energy management policy. An energy management policy is an official statement approved by the municipal council that clearly states how energy will be managed in the municipal environment. A factsheet on this component along with guidelines and templates relevant to this component are presented on the component webpage.

Energy management is not only a technical intervention. It requires effective communication systems, reliable data, the necessary skill and financing. These different components all need to be coordinated through an organisational structure that includes representation from different line departments involved with energy management. An energy management organisational structure is typically set up as a cross-departmental committee, that is chaired by a senior manager (for example a deputy municipal manager) or a political champion. The line departments are represented by senior officials who can report back on their various energy management activities. A factsheet on this component along with guidelines and templates relevant to this component are presented on the component webpage.

It is important to have the correct spread of skills and knowledge in the municipality to effectively manage energy. It is critical to build an internal pool of skills and knowledge around energy management issues to ensure long-term implementation and sustainability. Many municipalities rely on external consultants to assist in implementing energy management activities. When these consulting contracts end, the skills that are associated with them are lost to the municipality. A factsheet on this component along with guidelines and templates relevant to this component are presented on the component webpage.

Energy management information systems are data systems that collect, record and report on energy consumption (and possibly energy production) within the municipal environment. Traditionally these information systems were restricted to data that is available from the municipal billing system, but they are increasingly becoming more complex and automated and can assist with identifying trends and anomalies in energy consumption and production. It is very important to have robust, accurate and up to date information systems in place to make appropriate decisions regarding energy management. A factsheet on this component along with guidelines and templates relevant to this component are presented on the component webpage.

It is important to communicate effectively with staff on the importance of energy management within the municipality. The way people operate and maintain equipment has a significant impact on the amount of energy that is used by the municipality. Energy awareness by the staff who make use of energy-using equipment is therefore critical in achieving optimal energy savings from that equipment. Improving staff awareness of energy management can be achieved by developing and implementing an energy management communication plan. A factsheet on this component along with guidelines and templates relevant to this component are presented on the component webpage.

There is a range of different financing options available to municipalities to fund energy management activities. These options include international and national grants, project preparation facilities, capital loans, internal municipal budgets and funding from the energy savings generated from the energy management interventions. A factsheet on this component along with guidelines and templates relevant to this component are presented on the component webpage.

Energy management implementation is the component of a municipal energy management system where concrete actions are taken to save energy. This component of the energy management system is where specific energy savings interventions are identified, conceptualised and instituted on the ground within the municipality. The other components of the energy management system help direct implementation, as well as providing the information required to measure the success of implementation. A factsheet on this component along with guidelines and templates relevant to this component are presented on the component webpage.

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