Expert Tips for Effective Commercial Energy Management
We know commercial buildings are energy-intensive requiring powerful energy systems to keep large spaces operating continuously.
That’s why efficient commercial energy management is a priority for developers, owners, and operators. Proper management saves on costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We’ve compiled various energy management tips to help enhance energy efficiency.
Understanding Commercial Energy Management and Its Benefits
Effective energy management is defined by the systematic approach it takes to monitoring and controlling energy use. The aim is multifold: Effective energy management in commercial buildings leads to several key benefits:
Cost Reduction: Minimizes operational expenses through efficient energy use.
Enhanced Comfort and Reliability: Ensures a consistent and comfortable environment for building occupants.
Environmental Impact: Lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Data-Driven Insights: Energy management systems provide critical data for informed decision-making.”
Key Strategies for Optimizing Energy Efficiency
GAIA’s energy audits, compliant with ASHRAE standards, provide detailed insights into energy use, enabling building owners to achieve energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
Conduct Comprehensive Energy Audits
Learn more about your building's energy requirements and know how it all works. This way, it becomes possible to identify problem areas and plug any gaps to boost energy performance. GAIA can help with on-site audits (ASHRAE compliant) to get detailed reports highlighting the current pattern and overall consumption of energy systems in commercial buildings.
Switch to Building Automation Systems (BAS)
These advanced centrally automated systems optimize energy use according to factors like the pattern of occupancy or weather conditions. They are capable of monitoring various systems such as the building’s HVAC, lighting, and security.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Upgrading lighting to low-consumption LEDs with smart controls dramatically reduces average commercial building energy consumption.
Optimize HVAC Systems
As per the US. Department of Energy, 44% of all energy used in commercial buildings goes toward HVAC systems. Optimizing these systems involves running an energy audit first to identify problem areas. Other steps include using programmable thermostats, educating staff on energy usage, switching to VRF, and upgrading old elements in the HVAC system.
Enhance Building Envelope Performance
The building envelope includes the foundations, exterior walls, doors, windows, and the roof. Essentially, it refers to different components that separate the indoors from the outdoors. High-performance building envelopes focus on insulation and reducing heat waste. By playing with those building components, it is also possible to improve levels of fresh air in a building. It also helps reduce heating and cooling loads, which can result in significant savings.
Utilize Energy Modeling and Daylight Analysis
Advanced energy daylight modeling involves assessing how much natural light enters a building, giving a clue about how daylight affects the built environment. This knowledge can be used to decide where to place a window, how to use shading devices, or the best way to utilize interior design elements to minimize energy consumption. This early-stage modeling is critical for optimizing a building’s energy performance.
Invest in Renewable Energy Solutions
A simple move like adding solar panels to a building's energy systems will result in a significant reduction in energy costs. It also lowers reliance on grid electricity, which in turn improves productivity.
Not all solar installers provide the same service, but working with an experienced Solar Owner’s Rep. will prevent many issues who will manage the process on your behalf, as a non-biased partner, to maximize a building's solar potential.
Use Technology Solutions to Streamline Energy Management
Commercial energy management has seen major technological advancements. Key technologies typically made use of are:
IoT (Internet of Things) smart sensors that collect real-time data on occupancy, temperature, and equipment performance
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) use historical data to perform reliable predictive analytics
Cloud-based energy management platforms to access data and control systems remotely; and
Building information modeling (BIM) technology that integrates energy management considerations into building design and construction
Although developers, owners, and operators may understand the benefits of commercial energy efficiency and using technology to achieve their goals, many don’t hire a commissioning provider early on in the process or have never had their buildings commissioned at all. The commissioning process is critical to ensuring high-performing buildings.
Overcoming Challenges with Regular Monitoring
While taking these measures is important, it's vital to monitor and evaluate the energy consumption of your commercial building regularly. It can be done in various ways. For instance:
Method & Description:
Sub-Metering: Install sub-meters to track energy consumption by area or system.
Commercial Energy Management Software: Leverage software solutions to gather and analyze energy data.
Regular Reporting: Refer to energy reports often to spot trends
Continuous Monitoring: Access real-time monitoring to quickly identify energy issues.
Benchmarking: Compare energy performance against other similar buildings.
How GAIA Can Help Optimize Your Commercial Energy Management
GAIA offers commercial building developers, owners, and operators a comprehensive suite of services and experts to help achieve optimal energy efficiency and reduce costs.
From understanding climate risk to decarbonization, GAIA helps clients develop a custom roadmap to reach their sustainability and corporate goals.
Using advanced modeling technology, we help optimize building performance and energy efficiency from the design stage onwards. We also ensure the building’s systems are correctly installed and working at maximum efficiency.
Furthermore, GAIA can assist with achieving various valuable green building certifications, including BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. And by helping develop comprehensive ESG strategies, GAIA can help enhance your building’s sustainability profile, increasing its value.
With our hands-on approach and in-depth knowledge, partnering with GAIA can help you optimize energy performance and reduce costs. Learn more about our energy-saving solutions today.
