Previously we discussed “what to do” to enhance your facility’s energy use performance. Now let’s talk about the “how-tos” for performance improvement.
By lowering the need for energy in your energy consuming equipment and systems, you reduce the amount of energy your building requires to operate.
Replacing energy inefficient equipment with equipment designed and aligned to your specific operational parameters assures you are operating in the most cost efficient and effective manner.
Upgrading the devices that control building operations insures that equipment and systems perform better and only when necessary. For example….
One low cost control upgrade is the installation of lighting system occupancy sensors. Placing sensors in conference rooms, storage spaces, lunchroom/break room areas and public facilities insure the lights are turned off when space is not being used. By making the control of lighting an automatic action, you eliminate the need to “remember to turn off the lights” when exiting a space and you guarantee the reduction of energy use.
A second cost effective solution involves the installation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on fan and pumping systems. The proper installation of VFDs can dramatically lower energy use. With the addition of government sponsored energy project incentives and rebates, your cost to upgrade is lowered even further. An Energy Savings Opportunities Audit (ESOA) can quickly and easily determine if VFD technology is a “right fit” solution for lowering overall energy use and operational costs in your building.
Beyond the solid financial benefits gained by lowering energy use and improving building operations, taking this step forward provides the opportunity to re-engage the facilities and operations team towards continuing improvement. As we all know, great ideas for operational excellence come from the men and women who are committed to improvement.