1. A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions for directing a processor to: receive at least one model defining an amount of energy required to cool at least one vending machine one degree as a function of at least one parameter; receive at least one goal comprising a plurality of parameter values within which the at least one vending machine is to operate, wherein at least one of the plurality of parameters forming the at least one goal is constrained by at least one policy; and utilize the at least one model and the at least one goal to determine an operation regime for the at least one vending machine.