Wednesday, 12 August 2026
The current energy crisis and the authorities’ call for companies to reduce consumption during peak demand periods demonstrate that energy has become one of the most important competitiveness factors for businesses. In this context, BuildGreen believes that decarbonization should be viewed not only as an ESG component, but also as a cost management tool and a way to reduce operational risks.
Companies that have conducted energy audits and developed efficiency strategies now have a tangible advantage, as they know exactly where energy is consumed, which processes are energy-intensive and where they can intervene quickly to reduce consumption without significantly affecting operations.
“During periods of pressure on the energy system, the difference between a company that has data and one that does not becomes critical. Organizations that have measured their energy consumption and invested in efficiency can make fast, well-informed decisions with an immediate impact on costs and operational continuity”, said Răzvan Nica, Founder and CEO of BuildGreen and CarbonTool.
This data-driven level of preparedness also enables participation in energy flexibility programs (demand response), through which large consumers temporarily reduce their energy demand during peak periods to help balance the power grid. The concept has been included for several years in the international LEED standard and was recently introduced into the BREEAM methodology, which encourages the design and operation of buildings capable of responding flexibly to electricity grid demands.
In practice, a high-performing building can temporarily reduce energy demand by optimizing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, adjusting indoor temperatures or shutting down non-essential equipment, without significantly affecting occupant comfort. In some markets, owners or operators are compensated for the capacity they make available to the energy system during such periods.
The current context confirms the structural vulnerabilities of the energy system. According to ANRE data, in March 2026, Romania’s energy production came from hydropower (28.2%), natural gas (22.7%), and nuclear energy (20.7%).
Together, hydropower and nuclear energy accounted for nearly half of the country’s electricity generation.
At the same time, the Danube River’s flow dropped to approximately 1,400 cubic meters per second, the lowest level recorded in the past 40 years, directly affecting two of the country’s most important energy sources.
Furthermore, data from the National Institute of Statistics shows that nuclear electricity production declined by 12.3% during the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Notably, this pressure on the energy system occurred even though electricity consumption was 3.4% lower than during the corresponding period in 2025.
“The data shows that energy volatility is no longer an exceptional scenario. For companies, the lesson is clear. Those that consume energy more efficiently and continuously monitor their energy performance will be less vulnerable to market shocks, rising costs and disruptions across operational value chains”, explained Răzvan Nica.
According to BuildGreen, an energy audit is one of the fastest ways for an organization to identify savings opportunities and build an investment plan based on return on investment. In many cases, the first measures can be implemented without significant capital expenditure, simply by optimizing operating schedules and eliminating unnecessary consumption.
For the industrial, logistics, retail, and residential sectors, where energy represents a significant share of operating costs, energy efficiency delivers direct benefits, including lower expenses, greater financial predictability and improved long-term competitiveness.
“For years, decarbonization was primarily associated with climate goals and reporting obligations. Today, we see that it also means productivity, cost control, and economic resilience. Companies that generate the same value with lower energy consumption will perform better in an economy marked by volatility”, concluded the BuildGreen CEO.
