Energy Efficiency Measures Can Help Commercial Buildings Save on Total Electric Demand Costs

How much could you potentially be saving by investing in basic and advanced controls over your building’s mechanical systems? The US Department of Energy put together a study of 34 energy efficiency measures (including control measures) in nine commercial building types, finding six areas of potential savings over 2% site energy savings. Extrapolating those numbers, there’s 29% potential of site energy savings across the portfolio.

How are those savings being realized? Basic controls over energy related systems. The biggest improvements come from reactive and proactive systems that require upgrading building automation system with enhanced communication. For instance, reactive systems can track occupancy and raise or lower the air conditioning in response, or — if no one is planning on coming in after a late-night office party — can shut the systems off entirely; saving energy and money. Those small adjustments can add up into huge savings.

The best part is that such savings can be realized without significant investments in new equipment, costly retrofits, or expensive work on a building’s envelope. Having the ability to exercise automated control can go a long way towards improving energy efficiency. When tightening your belt, discipline is key. It’s best to have a system that doesn’t miss a beat.

Read the full report: http://buildingretuning.pnnl.gov/publications/PNNL-25985.pdf